As part of VNUK’s practical skill-building activities that prepare students for their career pathways, the workshop “Future-Ready: Personal Branding & Career Skills” offered a fresh perspective on self-positioning. Led by Ms. Thủy Phạm – HR Manager at Mixel Vietnam, a human resources expert with over 13 years of experience in multinational corporations, the session guided VNUK students through understanding their unique value and learning how to “tell their story” to impress employers.
From “Perception” to Understanding True Value
The workshop began by introducing the foundational concept of branding: Perception. Through engaging real-world comparisons of Trung Nguyên, Highlands, and Starbucks coffee, the speaker highlighted the difference between a physical product and brand value.
Students learned that personal branding is a combination of reputation and perceived value. Notably, the lesson on the Halo Effect helped students recognize the importance of cultivating a polished and professional image from the very beginning.
Halo Effect – a cognitive bias where our overall impression of a person influences how we perceive their other traits.
Building a “Playbook” – Mastering the Rules of the Employer’s Game
Diving deeper into essential skills, students were guided to build their own personal Playbook to navigate the job market. The formula “Trust = Opportunities” was decoded through three core pillars:
- Know your why: Identify your motivations and core goals.
- Know yourself: Understand your values, strengths/weaknesses, and recognize your own “brand colors.”
- Know your game: Understand the industry landscape, competitors, and the rules of the game.
Engaging case studies featuring Taylor Swift, Elon Musk, and JENNIE (BLACKPINK) illustrated how individuals shape their brand signatures—from appearance and charisma to their communication styles on social media.
Deep-Dive Interaction and the Surprising Power of “Weak Ties”
The workshop reached its peak during the interactive segment. With confidence, humor, and dynamic body language, Ms. Thủy Phạm unpacked a surprising paradox in networking:
– We often spend 8 hours a day with strong ties (close contacts), yet these relationships offer fewer career opportunities. Conversely, spending just 1–2 hours connecting with weak ties (acquaintances) can significantly expand career prospects.
– The reason: 90% of job opportunities come from weak ties, who provide fresh information outside our familiar circles. This insight reshaped students’ understanding of time allocation and the importance of actively expanding their networks.
Learning by Doing – Preparing for a “Future-Ready” Journey
Beyond theory, the workshop encouraged students to take concrete actions: starting a personal branding blog and choosing communication platforms aligned with target audiences. These practical strategies equip VNUK students with the essential toolkit to map out their development journey and confidently stand out to future employers.
A Mindset Shift Toward Career Readiness
By the end of the workshop, students had gained core strategies—from defining their personal identity to optimizing their relationship networks. These actionable insights and strategic mindsets form a solid foundation, empowering them to assert their value and capture growth opportunities in a competitive professional environment.
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Contact Information:
- Institute: VN-UK Institute for Research and Executive Education (VNUK), The University of Danang.
- Institute code: DDV.
- Address: 158A Le Loi Street, Hai Chau District, Danang City.
- Website: vnuk.udn.vn
- Admissions page: tuyensinh.vnuk.udn.vn
- Hotline & Zalo: 0905 55 66 54
