During the internship season, many students send their applications everywhere but receive no response. Many students think that experience requirements are a big barrier for those about to graduate.
Students of FPT Polytechnic College participate in the job fair with the hope of finding suitable internships and jobs - Photo: KO
Many students find this a paradox for those who are first stepping out into the real world, especially interns.
Ask for experience
After more than three months of searching for an internship, Thu Thuy, a senior student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City National University, has yet to find a suitable employer, as many employers require interns to have experience.
Instead of spending time working to gain experience in her first year, Thuy focused on studying. In her final year, when she started looking for an internship, Thuy realized that her previous job as a teaching assistant at a Chinese language center was not enough to impress employers.
"I sent my CV to many places. Many job descriptions required interns to have more than 3 months of experience, or no experience at all. But when I got feedback, they said they would not continue because they did not meet the professional requirements," Thuy shared.
Thuy acknowledged that in the context of fierce competition in the labor market, requiring degrees and experience is understandable.
However, for students who have to complete their studies and find internship opportunities at the same time, meeting these criteria will cause many difficulties.
"When it's too urgent to submit a report, we are forced to intern in any position possible, even though we know it won't help our future career path," Thuy confided.
Similarly, Nguyen Sy Tram Anh, a fourth-year student of the Faculty of Business Administration at the University of Finance and Marketing, shared that because she could not arrange her time according to the faculty’s internship schedule, she was forced to find an internship unit herself. Tram Anh sent her CV to more than ten places but was continuously rejected, mostly due to lack of practical experience.
"I found the requirements that some employers set out were too high for interns. I was extremely frustrated and didn't know what to do," Tram Anh confided.
Be proactive to gain an early advantage
Mr. Nguyen Huu Chien, HR specialist at Icon and Denim Joint Stock Company, said that having experienced interns will reduce training costs, time and effort. Therefore, in some large companies, certain positions will require interns to have experience.
Mr. Tran Vu Thanh, strategy director at Better You, said that citing a survey result at Hanoi University of Industry, up to 94% of students surveyed said they had or were working part-time.
According to MSc. Vo Ngoc Nhon - Deputy Director of the Admissions Center of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, for interns without experience, individuals who are proactive, especially proactive in adding certificates and additional skills, will impress employers.
When comparing new graduates, those with skills demonstrated through certificates or professional courses are also a big plus.
"If possible, right from when you are still in school, you should identify the company - the position where you dream of interning and working in the future. Thereby, learn about their requirements in advance to prepare. It is even better to proactively send emails or contact to ask for information and create connections, because this is also a way to create initial sympathy," Mr. Nhon advised.
In addition, a clear direction is also a plus. Many new graduates want to try many jobs, but this can make employers worry about their level of commitment.
"So you can show this on your CV, a candidate who clearly knows their career goals will create trust and be easier to convince," Mr. Nhon shared.
Supporting schools and departments
MSc. Tran Nam, Head of Student Affairs Department, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, said that the school currently supports students in finding internships by introducing them to previously-affiliated partners. In addition, students can also search for internships themselves and provide information for the faculty to review.
At the school, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Career Placement plays a role in connecting students with suitable internship opportunities. Faculty leaders and assigned lecturers will directly support students. If students have difficulty finding an internship, they should contact their faculty for assistance.
Promote cooperation with businesses
According to Master Cu Xuan Tien - Head of Admissions and Student Affairs Department of University of Economics and Law, Ho Chi Minh City National University, to create conditions for students to access suitable internship opportunities, universities and colleges need to promote cooperation with businesses, equip students with skills related to job searching and internships.
In addition, schools need to closely connect with alumni networks, especially successful alumni; apply technology to support job placement.
Mr. Tien said that in 2024, the school will implement a training model combining businesses for the financial technology and management information systems industries. Students will study from the first year, combining knowledge of information technology, business, management and practical experience at the enterprise, with salaries depending on position and capacity.
"In addition, it is necessary to listen to feedback from students and businesses through surveys and assessments to improve internship programs," Mr. Tien commented.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/sinh-vien-chat-vat-tim-noi-thuc-tap-20250228233920653.htm
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