Students today could hold more than 17 jobs during their working life

Tiếng Việt

Students today could hold more than 17 jobs during their working life

By helping students to clarify and visualise their career pathways from the beginning, the Career Consultation team at RMIT Vietnam has made significant contributions to student success.

A recent Foundation for Young Australians report found that “it's more likely that a 15-year-old today will experience a ‘portfolio’ career, potentially having 17 different jobs over five careers in their lifetime. They might be self-employed, working for other people or doing both - whilst also collaborating with people on the other side of the world.”

RMIT Vietnam’s career consultant Eric Asato (right) showed student available services at Career and Industry Relations unit.

RMIT Vietnam’s career consultant Eric Asato, agrees with the report, saying this will also be true in Vietnam for ‘Generation Z’, as those students grew up with Google and YouTube, accessing information and entertainment on demand.

“With job boards, head hunters and networks, employees have many opportunities to choose from, especially in the growing and quickly developing economy of Vietnam,” Mr Asato said.

“I know of many students who graduated two years ago who are now on their third or fourth job,” said Mr Asato, who has been working with Vietnamese graduates for a decade.

The Career Consultation team at RMIT Vietnam supports students in overcoming two common challenges – their parents’ not agreeing with their degree of choice, and identifying the best pathway for students to excel in their career.

“Last year, we provided individual career advice to 275 students, and engaged hundreds more through career development workshops and guest lectures,” Mr Asato said.

“Using tools such as the Holland Interest Code and a series of simple questions, we give students some good data, or ‘evidence’, to demonstrate to their parents how well their chosen programs will suit them, and to reinforce their confidence in the choice they’ve made.

“Parents want what's best for their children, and if their child knows what they want and how to achieve it, the parents will listen.”

“When parents come to an appointment, we often find they are open to listening to their children and happy when their child shows they are taking responsibility and becoming an adult,” Mr Asato said.

The career consultants use the LinkedIn Alumni Tool to show students likely career paths of RMIT Vietnam Alumni who are working in industries that students intend to work in after graduation.

“A few years ago, there were only about 5000 RMIT profiles, but today, there are over 8754,” Mr Asato said. “It gives students the confidence that the title of their degree is less important than the skills, experience and attitude they have.”

Students can improve their preparation for work by taking online courses, joining student clubs and attending networking events to meet professionals in their fields.

Bachelor of Business (Logistics and Supply chain management) student Dao Le Minh Nhat (right) highly recommends others to make the most out of what RMIT offers and get themselves started on planning for their future career.

Bachelor of Business (Logistics and Supply chain management) student Dao Le Minh Nhat is one of the students benefitting from Career Consultation.

Nhat first visited the Job Shop and attended Personal Edge activities for careers support, before he decided to schedule career consultation sessions in every semester to track his progress and to make adjustments as needed to his career plan.

“The university’s career services are a big help. They provided me with independent or second opinions that gave me a good insight into the industry and also current trends,” Nhat said.

“This is allowing me to make better decisions and preparations that not only meet but also exceed the expectations of future employers.”

Nhat has also used the consultation services in conjunction with other available services, such as mentoring or CV check, to develop a more comprehensive plan.

As an active user, Nhat says all students should make the most out of what RMIT offers. “The useful advice and suggestions from the sessions will help you to dispel common misconceptions and uncertainties regarding the job market, boost your confidence and, most importantly, help you get started on planning for your future.”

The latest Graduate Outcome Survey showed 93% of RMIT Vietnam graduates secured a full-time job within four months of completing their degree.

Story: Ha Hoang

Campus and community

19 February 2020