REFLECTIVE PAPER

Identifying Career Opportunities in Business and Hospitality Sectors in Vietnam Today

I. Introduction
Business and hospitality are two of the most promising sectors in Vietnam, as our country
is experiencing rapid economic growth and tourism recovery after the COVID-19
pandemic.
As an English for Business student, you are presented with a multitude of opportunities in
these sectors such as managers, consultants, analysts, sales representatives, customer
service agents, content writers, translators, and more. These jobs require not only a high
level of English proficiency, but also a good understanding of the market trends, customer
needs, cultural diversity, and professional ethics in the business and hospitality fields.
This paper aims to reflect on how to identify career opportunities in the thriving business
and hospitality sectors in Vietnam today.
II. Body
II.1. Business Sector in Vietnam

The business sector in Vietnam is flourishing, which offers a numerous opportunities for
English for Business graduates. Many companies are seeking talents in IT, logistic,
marketing or sales who are proficient in both Vietnamese and English.
Moreover, the rise of multinational firms investing in Vietnam’s service industries further
underscores the potential for English for Business graduates. For instance, KMS
Technology Vietnam, a U.S.-based software development & consulting company, is
looking for a Business Development Representative (KMS Technology, 2023).This role
requires strong English communication skills, a comprehensive understanding of the
business landscape, and the ability to establish strategic partnerships. This is just one
example among many multinational companies such as Intel, Samsung, and Microsoft
that have established their presence in Vietnam and are constantly looking for bilingual
talents.
II.2. Identifying Opportunities

1. Market Research: Understanding the market trends and demands is crucial. For
instance, the logistic industry is one of the most resilient industries in Vietnam. According
to the recent report, the logistics sector in Vietnam recovered quickly after COVID-19,
with up to 68.4% of logistics companies seeing increases in their revenues in the first
nine months of 2022 compared to the same period of last year (VietnamCredit, 2022)
Therefore, a career in this industry could be promising. For example, you could consider
roles such as logistics coordinator, supply chain analyst, or operations manager.
2. Networking: Seeking guidance from your academic advisors, mentors, professors, and
peers, who can offer you valuable insights and advice on your career choices.
Furthermore, participating in career fairs and industry events can provide a platform to
meet potential employers and learn about various career opportunities. These events also
offer the chance to network with professionals and gain industry insights.
3. Self-Assessment: Evaluating your own strengths, interests, values, and goals can help
you find opportunities that align with your personal and professional aspirations. This
self-assessment can guide you towards a fulfilling career in the business or hospitality
sector. For instance, if you enjoy problem-solving and have strong analytical skills,
accompany by excellent English and proper IT understanding, you might excel in a role
like Business Analyst.
4. Job Portals and Company Websites: Regularly checking job portals and company
websites can help you stay updated about the latest job openings in the business and
hospitality sectors. Websites like VietnamWorks, JobStreet, and LinkedIn are good
starting points. Additionally, visiting the careers page of specific companies can provide
information about current vacancies.
II.3. Hospitality Sector in Vietnam

The hospitality sector in Vietnam is a rapidly growing industry with a high demand for
skilled professionals. This growth is driven by the increasing number of international
tourists visiting the country and the expansion of international hotel chains. This growth
is creating a demand for graduates who can cater to an international clientele, thus
opening doors for English for Business graduates. These graduates are expected to have a
high level of English proficiency, cultural sensitivity, and customer service skills to meet
the diverse needs and expectations of international tourists. For example, roles such as
guest relations manager, front office manager, or concierge at international hotel chains
could be potential career paths. These roles not only require a high level of service but
also the ability to communicate effectively in English to meet the expectations of
international guests. This requirement highlights the opportunities available for English
for Business graduates in the hospitality sector in Vietnam.
II.4. Identifying Opportunities

1. Market Reasearch: Conducting a thorough market research to understand the current

and future trends, as well as challenges. This will help you can grasp opportunities in
potential jobs. For example, the demand for social content writers in the hospitality
category is on the rise. An increasingly companies are seeking English graduates who can
develop social media content plans for always-on projects and ad-hoc campaigns to reach
national and international customers.
2. Internships: Internships provide practical experience and can often lead to job offers.
Many companies in Vietnam offer internships in various roles. Take Vero Social as an
example. They are looking for Social Content Writers in the Hospitality Category (Vero
Careers, 2023).
3. Job Portals: Recruitment websites provide a comprehensive list of jobs in all levels in
the hospitality sector in Vietnam. For instance, Ybox lists numerous hospitality jobs in
Vietnam. They currently lists over 200 job openings in the hospitality sector in Vietnam,
ranging from hotel managers to chefs to front desk officers (Ybox, 2023). Other websites
like Vietjobs and Vietnamworks also provide a wide range of job listings in the
hospitality sector, including positions in sales and marketing, customer service, and
operations.
4. Continued Learning and Skill Development: The hospitality sectors are dynamic, with
new trends and technologies emerging regularly. Therefore, continuous learning and skill
development are crucial. This could involve taking up relevant courses, attending
workshops, or gaining certifications.
III. Conclusion

Identifying career opportunities in the business and hospitality sectors in Vietnam

requires a combination of research, networking, seft -assessment, internships, job portals
and self-development. With the right approach and resources, English for Business
students can find promising career paths in these thriving sectors.It’s advisable to start as
early as possible to increase your chances of finding a rewarding career.

References
KMS Technology. (2023). Retrieved from
https://careers.kms-technology.com/job/business-development-representative-kms-
solutions-743999947724203/
VietnamCredit. (2022, 8 20). Retrieved from
https://vietnamcredit.com.vn/news/vietnams-logistics-industry-an-overview-and-
outlook-for-2022_14798
Vero Careers. (2023, 10). Retrieved from https://vero-asean.com/careers/?
category=vietnam
Ybox. (2023). Retrieved from https://ybox.vn/tuyen-dung-viec-lam-du-lich-nha-hang-
khach-san-cong-ty-nuoc-ngoai-tk-c1y7a1