For more than 10 years working at the UNSW Representative Office – one of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight universities – I was used to a highly rigorous academic environment. Back then, I barely paid attention to RMIT Vietnam. In my mind, RMIT Vietnam was simply a school for the wealthy’, where students gained admission thanks to financial means rather than academic capability.
But six years working in the School of Science, Engineering & Technology at RMIT Vietnam has completely changed my perspective. Here, I have witnessed something few universities can truly achieve – turning the message “Ready for work, ready for life” into reality.
At our School, students don’t just learn theory and practise in class. By the time they reach their Capstone Project – the final stage of their university journey – they step directly into the professional world. Each team of 3–4 students takes on a real six-month project, working directly with both local and international companies, while being guided by their lecturers and industry mentors.
Getting these opportunities has been a continuous effort. Our lecturers, together with the External Engagement and Events team, work tirelessly to build connections – from passionate tech start‑ups to global corporations like Katalon, Intel, Faraday, ABB, Bosch, De Heus, Vietjet, Vietnam Airlines and Tim Corp.
This year alone, over 80 real‑world projects from more than 30 partners were secured for our students. At first, we worried whether there would be enough projects for over 300 Capstone students. In the end, the numbers became proof of the trust businesses place in RMIT students. If our students weren’t competent – if RMIT didn’t truly train work‑ready people – would companies dare place that trust?
These projects not only prepare students for the professional environment, but also open pathways to their mandatory three-month internships afterwards. Many students go on to stay with those same companies, and some become full-time employees. Quite a few even receive job offers before graduation – a clear testament that RMIT students are truly ‘Ready for work’.
"Our story is about more than just today, but for the next 50 to 100 years, and more."
When I see our students confidently presenting solutions to industry partners, or when I receive a message saying, ‘I’ve just been offered a full‑time job!’ I know that our story is about more than just today. This is how we continue writing RMIT Vietnam’s legacy – not only for its first 25 years but for the next 50 to 100 years, and more.
