The Job Market Dilemma for Graduates Returning to Vietnam
A Struggle to Reenter the Workforce
After moving back to his hometown in northern Quang Ninh province in 2022, Dat faced an uphill battle in rejoining the workforce. It took him four months and over 20 job applications to land an e-commerce position. The salary, however, was a mere VND8 million ($320) per month, far below his expectations of VND12 million to VND20 million. “I diligently monitored job platforms every hour, searching for opportunities,” Dat shared, revealing his dedication and frustration.
Unmet Expectations
Despite the extensive investment of VND15 billion in his education, Dat felt disillusioned by the salary offered. Although he committed to the role for six months, he found himself grappling with various challenges in the Vietnamese job market. These ranged from cultural adjustment issues to conflicting job duties that weren’t outlined in his contract, as well as prevalent overtime expectations with no additional pay. “While the company claimed to prioritize an eight-hour workday, I often worked 10 to 12 hours without compensation,” Dat lamented, highlighting a stark contrast to the clearer boundaries he had experienced in previous jobs.
The Multilingual Conundrum
In today’s competitive job market, being bilingual is no longer a standout advantage. Dat realized that many of his peers were fluent in three or four languages, which diminished his competitive edge. “Seeing peers fluent in English, Chinese, Korean, and French made me feel less competent,” he admitted. This experience reflects a growing trend among Vietnamese graduates where the baseline for employability continuously shifts, demanding more from candidates.
Cultural and Workplace Challenges
Dat’s experiences resonate with findings from a survey conducted by SHD, which indicated that 87% of Vietnamese graduates from foreign institutions faced cultural acclimatization issues in Vietnamese companies. Furthermore, a staggering 83% expressed dissatisfaction with their salaries and benefits. Ngo Thi Ngoc Lan from Navigos Search pointed out that although graduates returning from abroad bring valuable skills, they often struggle to adjust to Vietnam’s distinctive workplace culture.
Expectations vs. Reality
Ha Vy, who holds a degree in U.S. taxation, faced similar hurdles. After investing VND6 billion in her education, she confidently returned to Vietnam, hopeful for a well-paying position. However, she spent four months searching before securing a job offering VND10 million, far below her anticipated VND20 million. “I thought my degree would be more valued in Vietnam,” she reflected, illustrating the harsh reality faced by many graduates.
The Impact of Economic Climate
The current economic downturn adds another layer of complexity. As companies streamline operations, there is a palpable preference for seasoned employees over new graduates requiring extensive training. Vu Hanh Hoa, CEO of a leadership training institute, emphasized that companies are prioritizing efficiency and versatility, particularly in a financially strict environment. Many graduates returning from abroad possess less resilience, which employers increasingly value.
The Need for Practical Experience
One of the critical challenges for those with foreign degrees is the limited experience in communication and networking within the Vietnamese context. According to Hoa, graduates who have spent significant time abroad tend to understand foreigners better than their compatriots, requiring time to readapt to local society and professional norms. Employers estimate that new graduates might need between six to twelve months to acclimate, during which they incur training expenses without providing immediate benefits.
Adjusting Expectations
Instead of fixating on prestigious credentials, Hoa advises graduates to gain practical work experience to enhance their employability. “Many return with expectations that their degrees should lead to high-salaried positions, but those expectations need to be recalibrated,” she suggested, acknowledging the disconnect between education and career opportunities.
The Entrepreneurial Shift
Faced with inadequate earnings and financial strain, Dat decided to pivot by venturing into entrepreneurship, taking out loans to start a homestay business. “The financial pressure pushed me into this decision,” he noted. Although the financial success of his business remains uncertain, the costs have accumulated to match his educational expenditures, adding another layer of complexity to his endeavors.
These narratives speak volumes about the broader challenges faced by graduates in Vietnam’s evolving job landscape. As they navigate these hurdles, many are left grappling with the harsh realities of salary expectations, workplace culture, and the necessity for practical experience.