In recent years, Vietnams education and training sector has seen many positive changes at all levels. The quality of higher education has always received great attention from the whole society. Many universities across the country are starting to make changes in management to improve training quality. The whole country has more than 224 universities in which nearly half of the universities (49%, 1939) organize undergraduate bachelors degree programs related to English, with 3 main majors: Methodology Teaching; translating and interpreting; and English Business. It can be seen that this is a training industry which requires a great demand in society. Hanoi University is one of the top schools in the country in terms of foreign language training and teaching, established in 1959. This study wishes to systematically assess the status of students graduating from over 65 fulltime English students major at Hanoi University to get an overview of the students employment situation; thereby, proposing solutions to improve the quality of teaching and curriculum in order to improve the employability of graduates.
INTRODUCTION
English is the most widely used language globally, with approximately 375 million native speakers across over 100 countries and around 1.5 billion people using it daily Its significance is reflected in the education sector, where English has become a central focus, and most educational resources, documents, and books are published in English Proficiency in English is crucial for accessing the global market, as lack of knowledge can pose significant barriers to international business and communication.
In Vietnam's era of economic integration, proficiency in English has become essential for individuals aspiring to work in prominent domestic and international companies (Trong.G, 2022) As globalization fosters increased cross-border cooperation, having strong English skills facilitates effective communication and collaboration with global partners The rising presence of foreign-invested enterprises and international executives in Vietnam underscores the importance of English as a vital language for workplace success Employers in both foreign and domestic firms increasingly consider English proficiency a key criterion when evaluating job candidates, making it a crucial skill even if not frequently used in daily tasks Mastering English enables employees to navigate the global business environment and enhances their career advancement opportunities.
Mastering all four English language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—provides a significant competitive advantage for English graduates in the job market, opening doors to high-paying opportunities and personal development Employers highly value candidates who use English fluently, with 95% believing that English proficiency enhances productivity and work efficiency, often offering a 30% salary premium to those who are proficient Additionally, English language graduates are not limited to a specific industry or country; their dynamic and creative "global citizen" profile combined with excellent language skills enables them to pursue diverse careers across various professions worldwide.
THEORETICAL BASIS AND PRACTICAL WORK OF ENGLISH
Advantages of Eglish language students in job searching
With practical training, English language graduates who have a wide career spectrum can quickly integrate into a multicultural environment and the flexibility to switch careers.
A study carried by Thai Nguyen University, English language can choose suitable jobs with enormous salaries as well as experience a dynamic and multicultural working environment in the following:
Expertise in finance, tourism, hospitality, diplomacy, and import-export industries makes professionals highly valuable Skilled translators and interpreters working in publishing houses and international journalism facilitate global communication Additionally, secretaries and foreign affairs assistants in companies, economic groups, and government ministries play a crucial role in managing international relations and business operations.
– English teachers at universities, colleges, institutes, foreign language centers…. With the above jobs, graduates can show their ability at:
– Commercial banks, financial groups, securities companies, travel companies; – News agencies, newspapers, television stations, radio stations;
– Department of diplomacy and international relations under the Embassy, non- governmental organizations, agencies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
– Universities, language institutes, foreign language centers;
The demand for professionals skilled in English is rapidly growing in Vietnam due to increasing foreign investment and international businesses Young graduates with strong English skills can access a wide range of career opportunities across various industries Entry-level salaries for English language majors typically range from $400 to $700 USD per month (approximately 9 to 15 million VND), with higher earnings available in senior or global company positions, reaching up to $1,000 USD per month (about 22 million VND) or more for experienced professionals This trend highlights the lucrative prospects for English majors in the Vietnamese job market.
Skills and knowledge of English language students trained at Hanoi University
As one of the top language university, Hanoi University has constantly developed and improved the quality of training for language majors, especially English.
Hanoi University offers a four-year English language major taught entirely in English, focusing on two key orientations: Translating-Interpretation and English Teaching Methodology, with a comprehensive curriculum of 154 credits The program currently enrolls approximately 1,500 full-time students and is supported by over 60 full-time lecturers, along with nearly 30 visiting lecturers and foreign experts Most faculty members hold master's or doctoral degrees obtained from English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom and New Zealand, ensuring high-quality instruction and international standards.
Students studying English at Hanoi University have numerous opportunities to participate in various English projects and competitions, including the ECHOES English Speech Contest, The Reading Voice competition to discover talented English speakers, and the Project English for students (EPP) They can also engage in the WE READ Extended Reading Project, the Good Translation Contest, and the Good Speaking Contest, which enhance their linguistic skills Additionally, students develop soft skills through involvement in campus clubs like Voice of Hanu, HANU Music Club, and Hanu Photography Club Volunteer activities and participation in major international conferences such as APEC, IPU, the Asian Indoor Games, and the SEA Games provide a dynamic environment for practical experience and industry knowledge in the English language sector ("Chương trình đào tạo cử nhân hệ chính quy ngành Ngôn ngữ Anh 2021, 2022").
The main factors affecting the employment policy of language students after graduation
3.1 Scale and structure of the economy
Between 2016 and 2022, Vietnam successfully attracted significant foreign direct investment (FDI), averaging around $30 billion annually This consistent investment growth of approximately 14% per year has played a vital role in creating numerous jobs, enhancing the quality of human resources, and increasing income for employees Moreover, FDI inflows have supported the development of domestic enterprises, boosting overall economic growth and competitiveness in Vietnam.
Vietnam’s economy has transitioned from reliance on agriculture and forestry to a greater focus on the service and industrial sectors In the first four months of 2022, over 464 foreign-invested enterprises were registered to operate in Vietnam, with a total capital of approximately 25,927.5 billion VND, reflecting a 6.7% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
2021 This opens up job opportunities for students who are fluent in English to work in an international environment with diverse industrial sectors (Do.T.T, 2021).
3.2 Factors belonging to student ability
Mastering the English language requires significant effort across key skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing Additionally, developing complementary qualities is essential for achieving proficiency in the industry The information provided below will help learners understand and cultivate the essential attributes needed for success in English language mastery.
Firstly, English lagnguage students have to own talent and passion for foreign languages.
When learners are motivated by love for their craft, they become passionate about exploring and expanding their knowledge This enthusiasm encourages them to practice and develop their expressive skills, ultimately maximizing their potential in the profession Cultivating genuine passion not only enhances their learning experience but also fosters long-term dedication to their chosen career path.
Second, English lagnguage students have extensive knowledge of culture and society
To succeed in pursuing career opportunities at multinational companies, English language learners must develop a strong interest in engaging with diverse cultures Building extensive knowledge about the societies and customs of different countries is essential for thriving in global workplaces Embracing cultural understanding enhances communication skills and opens doors to international career growth.
Third, they need to have dynamism, extroverted thinking
English is an ideal field of study for dynamic, extroverted young individuals, offering opportunities to become a cultural and linguistic bridge across borders Mastering English enables students to connect with diverse international communities, enhancing their global communication skills Pursuing English language skills opens doors to numerous career pathways in international business, diplomacy, and education Embracing English as a focus for study fosters cross-cultural understanding and positions young people as influential connectors in our increasingly interconnected world.
In today's labor market, soft skills are crucial for career success, including teamwork, effective communication, strong professional ethics, self-motivation and self-study abilities, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as organizational and management competencies These attributes enhance employability and are highly valued by employers across all industries Developing these soft skills can significantly improve an individual's professional growth and adaptability in a competitive job market.
METHODOLOGY
Purpose of the survey
- In order to obtain objective information about the training quality of Hanoi University, help the University have grounds to adjust in management, enrollment, training in line with social needs .
- Improve the quality and efficiency of operations, serving the development of theUniversity.
Survey content
A recent survey on the employment status of English students after graduation reveals that a high percentage successfully secure jobs within an average of [insert time], indicating strong employability Graduates report that the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies closely align with job requirements, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market The average monthly income for these graduates is approximately [insert amount], reflecting the value of their educational investment Furthermore, most alumni express confidence in their career future, citing opportunities for growth and development within their chosen fields Overall, the survey underscores the positive employment prospects and career outlook for English graduates.
- Survey on employment trends of students, working sector (government, private, foreign factors or self-employment), regions, working localities, professions and social needs
- Investigate why graduates are slow or unable to find jobs; what knowledge and skills students need to supplement before graduation; ideas and suggestions to improve the training efficiency
Subjects and number of surveys
- Audience: English language students who graduated from a full-time university
How the survey is finished
- Survey by direct question sheet
- Google form survey via phone call and other forms such as via social networks(Facebook, zalo, email, )
Implementation time
- From January 5 to June 26, 2023: Collecting data and analyzing survey results
- From January 5 to May 19, 2023: Survey via software, face-to-face interviews and other methods such as calling, via social networks;
- From May 19 to June 27, 2023: Synthesize and analyze the results.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Indicators reflecting the status of English graduates
This study examines the employment rate of English language graduates, focusing on key factors such as their knowledge, skills, attitudes, graduation rates, participation levels, and social status It also considers job satisfaction and income levels to provide a comprehensive understanding of graduates' post-graduation outcomes To accurately assess these aspects, a system of comprehensive indicators is essential, serving as a foundation for evaluating the employment status and overall quality of English language students after graduation.
An indicator is a set of statistical measures used to evaluate the performance of an institution or training program within a specific context They serve as benchmarks for assessing both short-term outcomes and long-term effectiveness, helping training institutions determine if their performance meets established standards By utilizing indicators, educational institutions can compare their results with other schools, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately enhance the quality of teaching and learning outcomes.
There are many sources that suggest indicators related to graduates: (1) educational quality accreditation criteria; (2) program evaluation; (3) University ranking.
In general, the indicators focus on collecting information and analyzing:
2- Average time to complete the course.
3- Employment rate (6 months and 1 year after graduation).
4- Rate of continuing education (graduate or study another major).
5- Percentage of graduates working in the right industry.
6- Percentage of students who have jobs outside their training majors.
9- Evaluation of graduates about the quality of the school's training:
• Percentage of students who answered that they have learned the knowledge and skills necessary for a job by graduation.
• The percentage of students who answered only partially learned the necessary knowledge and skills.
• Percentage of students who answered that they could not learn.
11- Employer's assessment of graduates who have jobs in the right field of training:
• The percentage of students who meet the job requirements can be used immediately.
• Meet the basic requirements of the job but require additional training.
• Percentage of students requiring retraining or additional training.
Analyze and evaluate the survey results
• General information gain about graduates collected from the survey:
Score of Bachelor Degree Excellent; 11.3%
Figure 1: Demographic information from survey respondents
From the collected date, it can be seen that:
The majority of respondents, over 48.1%, are students graduating in 2022, while graduates before 2021 make up only 11.5% The quality of education is steadily improving, with more than 92% of students achieving good or excellent results, and only 8.9% rated below average Higher academic performance, reflected in better graduation scores, significantly increases students’ chances of securing a job after graduation.
Understanding the demographic composition of survey participants—specifically gender, age, and graduation year—offers valuable insights that help contextualize the survey results Analyzing these factors is essential to determine how they influence the employment status and salary levels of graduates, enabling more targeted and informed conclusions.
• Employment rate (6 months and 1 year after graduation)
Chart 1: Employment situation of graduates
Chart 2: Average time it takes graduates to find a job
According to the graduate survey, 80.3% of students (53 out of 66) have secured employment, while 9.1% remain unemployed at the time of the study Only 10.6% of students plan to pursue a master's degree The use of English as a tool or means for work is prevalent, particularly in fields like management, commerce, and administration, highlighting the importance for educational institutions to address students’ English learning needs through targeted training programs Most graduates find a job within 12 months, with 70% securing employment within three months, demonstrating the effectiveness of current education in meeting employment demands Only a small number of students struggle to find jobs after a year These results indicate that a significant portion of English students are well-prepared for the job market, and factors such as gender, age, or training major do not statistically influence their employment prospects.
Chart 3: Trends in the economic sector that graduates choose to work in
The English language industry is heavily influenced by international companies, with students primarily aiming to work for foreign firms accounting for 46.16% of employment In contrast, opportunities in the public and private sectors are less prevalent, representing only 23.07% and 20%, respectively This trend significantly impacts workplace decisions, especially in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where foreign enterprises dominate the market.
• Percentage of graduates working in the right profession, percentage of students working in the wrong field of training
Chart 4: Evaluating the suitability of the job with trained knowledge
According to the survey, over 89.5% of respondents believe they have a job that aligns well or completely fits their field of study, indicating a high level of job satisfaction and relevance Conversely, only 10.5% work in a non-professional capacity, highlighting that the majority of professionals are engaged in roles appropriate to their qualifications These findings emphasize the importance of employment match quality for career fulfillment and success.
Chart 5: Graphs showing the current jobs of graduates
A survey indicates that graduates with an English language major from Hanoi University have diverse and extensive job opportunities They are qualified to pursue various career paths, showcasing the wide range of employment options available to them in the job market.
- Translator-interpreter, diplomat, international relations specialist at diplomatic agencies, media agencies, international organizations, domestic and foreign units and enterprises.
- Teaching general and specialized English at universities, colleges, institutes and foreign language centers.
- In addition, students can take up positions such as international payment specialist, e-commerce field.
Over 65 students, although the majority of students choose the profession of teaching with more than 46.2%, which is only 10% more than the percentage of students who choose the profession of translating and interpreting This phenomenon can be easily explained when the society's demand for learning English is increasing, centers are opening more, which opens up great job opportunities for English language students For the current translation and interpretation industries, due to the high language requirements
Proficiency in the four essential skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—is highly valuable in this industry, which offers relatively high salaries compared to other occupations E-commerce ranks third among popular industries, reflecting its significance as a global trend However, only a small percentage of students pursue careers outside their training majors, such as accounting, purchasing, banking, or sales.
Chart 6: Average salary of students after graduation ( ranging from 7 million to over 30 million)
According to survey data, graduates tend to earn relatively high salaries, with only 3.3% earning less than 7 million VND per month The largest proportions of graduates earn between 7-15 million VND (36.7%) and 15-30 million VND (43.3%) monthly, reflecting strong earning potential across various disciplines Additionally, a select group of 10 graduates in teaching and translation positions earn over 30 million VND per month Higher income levels among graduates indicate a greater ability to meet employer recruitment requirements, highlighting the correlation between salary and professional competence.
Chart 7: Evaluation of the effectiveness of the training program (knowledge and skills) for the job
Most graduates from Hanoi University find their education useful, with over 51.7% rating their training as very beneficial for their careers and 39.7% partially agreeing They appreciate the comprehensive curriculum, extracurricular activities, and dedicated lecturers, which help develop both technical skills and soft skills necessary for the workforce However, some students feel the program is overly theoretical and lacks sufficient practical training, leading to some dissatisfaction with the balance of knowledge acquisition.
• Factors affecting the ability of English students when seeking a job
According to the survey shown in Chart 8, mastering English is regarded by over 80.7% of students as a crucial skill for their career success, as proficiency in foreign languages enhances first impressions, increases interview success rates, and can lead to higher salaries The quality of graduates is reflected through three key pillars: knowledge, skills, and attitudes In addition to language proficiency, soft skills such as leadership, communication, and analytical thinking significantly impact employability Developing these soft skills and positive attitudes is essential for recent graduates to improve their chances of securing desirable jobs.
Chart 8: Survey of important skills that graduates must have
Orientation and solutions to improve career opportunities of English language
3.1 Forecast of labor market trends ( Periods from 2020 - 2040)
Vietnam is set to enhance its international integration and attract significant foreign investment through 2040 The country’s focus on developing foreign-related industries positions them as promising sectors with rising demand for skilled human resources As the market anticipates a surge in talent needs, especially in sectors supporting globalization, industries such as foreign investment and international trade are expected to thrive For young professionals, majoring in English offers a valuable opportunity due to the favorable working environment and competitive salaries, making it an ideal pathway to capitalize on Vietnam’s growing global economic involvement.
As Vietnam continues to develop and integrate internationally, the demand for highly skilled, foreign language proficient human resources is increasing to meet global communication needs Students with expertise in foreign languages have extensive career opportunities, including roles in foreign language teaching, translation, interpretation, international business, public relations, and event organization These emerging pathways offer promising prospects for career growth in Vietnam’s increasingly globalized economy.
3.2 Proposing a number of policies and solutions to improve career opportunities for English language students
3.2.1 Proposals relating to student’s competency
To secure a high-paying and suitable job, students must develop a clear career orientation, continuously upgrade their knowledge, and master industry-specific skills It is essential to cultivate a proactive attitude toward studying and working, while actively participating in skills training activities both in school and through extracurricular programs Developing soft skills through dedicated training courses, attending lectures, and engaging in extracurricular activities enhances overall employability Additionally, improving foreign language proficiency by preparing for exams like IELTS, TOEIC, and TOEFL, or learning additional languages, significantly expands job opportunities and increases competitiveness in the global job market.
3.2.2 Proposals relating to University’s training
The survey revealed that most graduates highly appreciate the university's efforts in supporting students to achieve excellent academic results To further improve graduate employment rates, graduates have recommended that the university focus on continuously reviewing and updating the training programs to align with current industry trends and societal needs.
To enhance teacher training programs, curricula should become more practice-oriented and aligned with real-world teaching scenarios, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience Universities need to prioritize practical training by providing students with numerous internships throughout their studies, rather than limiting them to occasional teaching internships Introducing annual internships starting from the first year allows students to familiarize themselves with educational concepts such as educational psychology early on, rather than waiting until after completing the coursework Early internships enable students to gain practical knowledge and help them identify their career interests, ensuring a clearer focus before fully committing to their teaching specialization in the third year.
To enhance career opportunities across various fields, students should acquire specialized knowledge and skills in commerce, economics, and management Faculty members need to organize career orientation activities and align recruitment requirements with employer expectations to motivate students to develop their expertise For translation and interpretation majors, possessing strong language skills and a deep understanding of both English and Vietnamese structures is essential, alongside a broad knowledge base in multiple fields Many students find it challenging to adapt to the labor market initially, as gaining proficiency in professional translation and interpretation requires time and practical exposure.
Second, we should focus more on developing soft skills
For English language students, mastering the four core skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—is essential for achieving recruitment success However, in addition to language proficiency and specialized knowledge, developing soft skills such as teamwork, adaptability, self-learning, problem-solving, and organizational abilities is crucial for career readiness Most recruitment processes emphasize these social competencies, which often determine a candidate’s suitability across diverse job roles in various economic sectors Currently, training programs tend to focus primarily on technical skills, but to enhance graduates’ competitiveness, it is vital to prioritize soft skill development Fostering these skills creates a significant competitive advantage for students in the job market, ensuring they meet evolving industry demands effectively.
Third, Hanoi University deed to continue and promote the connection and cooperation with employers
By connecting with localities, agencies, and businesses across diverse fields such as human resource training, scientific research, and technology transfer, the university aims to establish a two-way information system with its partners to meet social training needs The university emphasizes collaborating with businesses to develop internship programs, including orientation internships and training orders for first-year and final-year students, ensuring they gain valuable practical experience This strategic approach helps create a conducive environment for rewarding internships and increases employment opportunities for students just before graduation.
Schools should invest additional resources to support students' learning, training, and daily life, with a particular focus on providing early access to the workforce Implementing programs such as part-time jobs, practical experience activities, and relevant training courses can significantly enhance students' knowledge, skills, and professional mindset These initiatives prepare students effectively for future career development and real-world challenges.
Training units need to pay attention to connecting and supporting alumni activities;maintaining a communication channel connected on the software so that students can better interact with school activities…
CONCLUSION
Graduates with a language major, particularly in English, enjoy high job opportunities, with an employment rate of 80.3% and a low unemployment rate of 9.1%, demonstrating their versatility across various occupations, industries, and fields beyond their major Compared to the average income of fresh graduates, English language students tend to earn relatively higher salaries Most students believe that their training programs are well-aligned with industry recruitment demands, especially in education, although some feel they need more practical experience rather than just professional knowledge Integrating skills from fields like accounting, business, and banking can further enhance their job prospects At Hanoi University, English language students are recognized for their teamwork, adaptability, self-study abilities, and strong problem-solving skills, which are highly valued by employers.
"Chương trình đào tạo cử nhân hệ chính quy ngành Ngôn ngữ Anh 2021" (2022) Retrieved from
HaNoi University: https://hanu.edu.vn/a/101582/Chuong-trinh-dao-tao-cu-nhan-he-chinh- quy-nganh-Ngon-ngu-Anh-2021
"Ngành Ngôn ngữ Anh là gì? Ra trường làm gì? Mức lương bao nhiêu?" (2021) Retrieved from
Dhthainguyen: https://dhthainguyen.edu.vn/nganh-ngon-ngu-anh-la-gi-ra-truong-lam-gi- muc-luong-bao-nhieu/
"Tầm quan trọng của tiếng Anh đối với công việc" (n.d) Retrieved from ICCC: http://icccftu.vn/tam-quan-trong-cua-tieng-anh-doi-voi-cong-viec
Dang.Y.N (2020) THE DEMAND FOR NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS IN VIETNAM Retrieved from Vietnam teachingjobs: https://vietnamteachingjobs.com/demand-native-english- teachers-vietnam/
Do.T.T (2021) Đầu tư trực tiếp nước ngoài và vấn đề phát triển kinh tế - xã hội tại Việt Nam
Retrieved from Mof.Gov: https://mof.gov.vn/webcenter/portal/vclvcstc/pages_r/l/chi-tiet- tin?dDocName=MOFUCM205169
Students’ awareness of the importance of English language proficiency is crucial for future employment opportunities, as highlighted by Kadzrina Abdul Kadir (2015), who emphasizes that strong English skills can significantly enhance job prospects Mastery of English not only boosts communication abilities but also provides a competitive edge in the global job market According to Trong.G (2022), knowing the advantages of English in the workplace can open doors to better career development and increased earning potential Therefore, improving English language skills is essential for students aiming to succeed professionally in an increasingly interconnected world.
Trường Cao Đẳng Thương Mại và Du Lịch Hà Nội là địa chỉ đào tạo uy tín giúp sinh viên nâng cao kỹ năng tiếng Anh trong công việc Việc thành thạo tiếng Anh mang lại nhiều lợi thế, từ cơ hội việc làm đến khả năng giao tiếp quốc tế Theo các chuyên gia, tiếng Anh đóng vai trò quan trọng trong việc thúc đẩy sự phát triển nghề nghiệp và mở rộng mạng lưới quan hệ chuyên môn Học tiếng Anh tại trường không chỉ giúp sinh viên nâng cao khả năng ngoại ngữ mà còn tạo bước đệm để tiếp cận các cơ hội toàn cầu hóa Đăng ký tại Cao Đẳng Thương Mại và Du Lịch Hà Nội để nhận được môi trường học tập chuyên nghiệp, giúp bạn tự tin sử dụng tiếng Anh trong công việc và cuộc sống hàng ngày.
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5 What is your graduation Grade: a) Low average b) Average c) Good d) Excellent
6 Which year did you graduae from Ha Noi University? a) 2021 b) 2022 c) 2023 d) Earlier than 2021
7 What is your current employment situation? a) No job yet b) Pursuing the higher study c) Currently employed
8 Compay, unit you are working? ( name and address)? Optional
9 Which economic ara are you working? a) Government b) Private c) International Company d) Self-employed
10 How long after graduation did you find a job? a) Less than 3 months b) 3 - 6 months c) 6 - 12 months d) Over 12 months
11 Do you find your training major suitable with your current job? a) Suitable b) Not suitable
12 Are the knowledge and skills trained by the School useful for your current job? a) Useful b) Only partially c) Not much
13 What is your current jobs? a) Teaching b) Translators and interpreters c) Ecommerce d) Other
14 Your average income is: a) Below 7 million VND b) From 7 - 15 million VND c) From 15 - 30 million VND d) Over 30 million VND
15 From your point of view what skill are considered to be the most important for English students?
Talent and passion for foreign languages
16 Contributions to improving the training efficiency of the University, improving the ability of students to find jobs after graduation