Connecting Universities and Businesses in Vietnam: Enhancing Career Services for Students

On September 14 and 15, the University of Economics, Da Nang University, in collaboration with the Higher Education Reform Collaboration Project (USAID PHER), organized a sharing session on Career Services for students with the goal of sharing experiences in developing career services for students from international models.

Participants in the program included Dr. Catherine Matthews, a PHER Project expert from Indiana University (USA), and Dr. Le Minh Hanh, the Project Manager, along with their working delegation. From the University of Economics, Da Nang University, leaders from the Student Affairs Office, the Office of Science & International Cooperation, and the Student Support and Business Relations Center, as well as a significant number of staff and faculty members, were present.

Lecturers discuss with speakers

Playing a vital role in providing a skilled workforce in business, management, and economics, contributing to Vietnam's economic development, Dr. Bui Huynh Nguyen, Deputy Head of the Office of Science and International Cooperation, represented the University of Economics, Da Nang University, in welcoming Dr. Catherine Matthews and her delegation. Dr. Bui Huynh Nguyen also introduced the University of Economics, Da Nang University, and presented a report on the current status of the DUE career guidance services. The University of Economics, Da Nang University, offers various career services, including counseling, internship support or collaboration, career fairs, on-campus interviews, and workshops in classrooms. Looking to the future, DUE can expand its connections with students, alumni, and industry partners by creating new opportunities for students to engage in career services. Additionally, investments in technology improvements for career services, including exploring stronger profile storage options and using a Career Service Management platform can be considered.

Numerous ideas were discussed to enhance career services for students during the exchange

Dr. Catherine Matthews discussed with lecturers

During the exchange and discussion with faculty and staff members from the University of Economics, Da Nang University, Dr. Catherine Matthews, the PHER Project expert from Indiana University, shared insights on higher education, law studies, and career development counseling. After the presentation, a lively discussion between the speaker and participants took place, affirming the faculty's interest in strengthening career services for students.

Lecturers discussed with the speaker

In the exchange with the speaker, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Tuan, Deputy Head of the Business Administration Department, assessed the efforts of the university in introducing job opportunities to students, such as job fairs. At the department level, faculty members have created opportunities for students to intern and have channels to receive students' job-related needs. Moreover, the department encourages feedback from businesses about students' performance during internships.

The sharing session on Career Services for students under the Higher Education Reform Collaboration Project is aimed at maximizing resource utilization through effective connections. This program is practical and meaningful for faculty and staff involved in student career guidance.

Center for Information Technology and Communication