Stepping through the doors of university marks the moment we “flip the switch” to many of life’s firsts. If you still believe that a high-class honors degree alone will guarantee you a place in an employer’s good graces, think again! Perhaps university isn’t just about academic achievements. How can you make sure your university years aren’t wasted, and instead turn your campus into a place that nurtures and enhances your potential?
At VNUK, personal development activities are a core part of the student experience. These activities serve as launchpads, enabling students to impress employers even before graduation. Let’s explore how VNUK helps students “level up” during their academic journey!
Photo 1: 2023 Graduation Ceremony of VNUK students.
VNUK-ers Grow in Confidence and Maturity Through Competitions
A university environment that emphasizes practical training and hands-on experience creates the perfect conditions for mastering knowledge. That’s why VNUK regularly organizes professional competitions, offering students the chance to compete and gain real-world experience. Notable examples include the Future Leader Programme, Innovation Challenge, and Plastic Action – a competition for sustainable economic initiatives.
VNUK Future Leader Programme is held annually to equip students with the essential skills needed before entering today’s highly competitive job market. The competition serves as a turning point, encouraging VNUK-ers to step out of their comfort zones and become the leaders of tomorrow.
The 2023 edition of the program crowned outstanding champions who demonstrated critical thinking, self-development, and excellence at every stage. A key highlight of the competition is the Networking Event, where participants meet directly with representatives from leading companies. This is the “golden moment” to hone communication skills, make lasting impressions, and attract future career opportunities.
Photo 2: Snapshot from the Networking Event of the VNUK Future Leader Programme.
Innovation Challenge – The Startup Playground for VNUK Students
For students passionate about entrepreneurship, Innovation Challenge is the ideal platform to develop and showcase business ideas. It’s also a launchpad for projects that go on to compete at national-level competitions.
Participants benefit from expert mentoring, bootcamps, and exposure to the startup ecosystem, while the Top 5 finalists earn the honor of representing VNUK at the National Semi-Finals of the SV STARTUP competition. The competition not only fuels innovation but also equips students with the resources and support needed to turn their ideas into community-driven impact.
Learning from Industry Experts Through Specialized Workshops
Specialized workshops at VNUK bring students face-to-face with leading experts and industry veterans. These sessions provide professional insights, address common challenges, and offer practical advice to ease the transition from the classroom to the corporate world.
Photo 3: Scene from the workshop “Business Management Processes” led by Ms. Trần Hạnh Trang – CEO & Co-founder of Enouvo Group.
Refreshing the Mind with Well-being Activities
VNUK’s well-being activity series covers a variety of creative and relaxing experiences—from flower arranging and lip balm making to painting and baking. These activities offer students a chance to unwind, recharge, and enrich their life experiences while preparing for new challenges ahead.
Photo 4: Snapshot from VNUK students’ weekend workshop “Relaxing Weekend Painting”
For more information about VNUK’s exciting events and competitions, you can visit our website or follow the latest updates on the Institute’s official fanpage .
Gaining Real-World Experience Through Field Trips and Internships
A distinctive feature of VNUK’s training program is its learner-centered approach. The Institute focuses on the growth of each individual, actively engaging students in course content and delivering an enriching learning experience.
Students also have the opportunity to join chuyến field trip (tham quan thực tế doanh nghiệp) o gain deeper insights into the operations of various types of enterprises, các hoạt động ngoại khóa, thiện nguyện,… and especially kỳ thực tập đầu khóa, thực tập hè, thực tập chính khóa. Capstone internships provide invaluable chances to apply classroom knowledge directly in real-world work environments..
Photo 5: Snapshot from the extracurricular activity “Outing Trip to Hoi An Memories Land” with the Foundation cohort
The workplace will surely be different from the university lecture hall. This is a great opportunity for students to explore lessons beyond textbooks, helping them grow in how they observe, assess, and solve problems.
By working in a real-world environment and being given the chance to apply what you’ve learned in class to actual tasks, you’ll quickly identify your own gaps and work to improve them. With the guidance of experienced mentors during your internship, you can also learn from mistakes and avoid them in your future career.
Photo 6: Field trip to Deo Ca Group JSC with IBM students
Every lesson gained from an internship is an asset—a valuable part of your toolkit for the road ahead. Don’t waste your internship period; every single day will teach you something new, bring you a fresh story, and undoubtedly help you grow.
The equation is simple: the more real-world experience you gain, the greater your future success. Many of VNUK’s student success stories câu chuyện thành công của sinh viên VNUK began with personal breakthroughs during internships. In just a short time, you’ll learn to adapt, change, and mature in both mindset and attitude. Some students even build strong relationships with colleagues while picking up countless useful skills and knowledge.
Photo 7: Ngo Duong Anh Thu – Biomedical Science student interning at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy
That’s why VNUK continues to strengthen its connections with các doanh nghiệp in Da Nang and across Vietnam to secure diverse internship and career opportunities for its students.
Graduate with an International Professional Certificate in Hand
In today’s ever-changing job market, earning international professional certificates offers students a competitive edge.
First, these certificates expand your knowledge and sharpen your skills. Each one equips you with specific professional competencies, designed with practical applications in mind, making them easy to apply to real workplace situations.
At the same time, students gain access to up-to-date resources, tools, and insights from leading experts, lecturers, and peers in the same professional field. This fosters valuable networking, collaboration, and continuous personal development.
VNUK is currently an official partner of ACCA, CIM and CMI. . Holding these internationally recognized certificates is a powerful advantage when seeking career opportunities that match your capabilities.
Photo 8: VNUK’s first students to earn the ACCA certificate
ACCA Certificate
The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a professional qualification awarded by the UK’s leading accountancy body. ACCA collaborates closely with top universities in Vietnam to deliver the ACCA International Program and create career opportunities for outstanding students.
Possessing an ACCA certificate makes it easier to stand out to employers. With up to 70% practical training content and essential workplace soft skills, ACCA holders enjoy a strong advantage in both domestic and international job markets, especially in multinational corporations.
More about ACCA & VNUK: https://vnuk.udn.vn/chung-chi-acca/
CMI Certificate:
VNUK’s collaboration with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is the first and only partnership of its kind in Vietnam, enabling students to pursue international professional certification during their studies at VNUK.
Upon enrolling in and completing the Bachelor’s in International Business and Management at VNUK, students can receive the Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership issued by CMI. Students who complete two of the five CMI-recognized modules can still earn the Level 5 Award in Management and Leadership. Both qualifications are globally recognized and carry significant value in the job market.
More about CMI & VNUK: https://vnuk.udn.vn/chung-chi-cmi-4/
CIM Certificate
CIM stands for The Chartered Institute of Marketing, the world’s oldest and most widely recognized professional marketing body. Globally, 35% of senior marketing managers hold at least one CIM qualification, and nearly half (47%) of graduates are promoted or receive a pay raise within 12 months of completing the program.
More about CIM & VNUK: https://vnuk.udn.vn/chung-chi-cim/
Clearly, earning an international certificate equips students to seize global career opportunities. These credentials boost your confidence at the start of your professional journey and serve as a benchmark of your knowledge, skills, and commitment—qualities that employers actively seek in high-potential candidates. With CMI, CIM, and ACCA qualifications, VNUK students enjoy a strong edge when applying to training partners within multinational companies and organizations.
From the outset, choosing a suitable learning environment while working toward international professional certification is a smart move.
Your Passport to the World: Exchange & Transfer Programs
At VNUK, students have the chance to take part in exchange and transfer programs with partner universities spanning from Europe to Asia. Through these programs, you’ll immerse yourself in an international education environment and experience cultural exchange with peers from around the world.
Studying at prestigious universities abroad not only strengthens your academic profile but also gives you access to high-quality education from developed nations.
VNUK’s Student Exchange Partners:
- Đại học Công giáo Murcia, Tây Ban Nha
- Đại học Aston, Vương quốc Anh
- Đại học Portsmouth, Vương quốc Anh
- Đại học Pai Chai, Hàn Quốc
- Đại học Đại học Woosong, Hàn Quốc
- Đại học Daegu Haany, Hàn Quốc
- Đại học Công giáo Daegu, Hàn Quốc
- Đại học Yonsei, Hàn Quốc
- Đại học Khoa học Tự nhiên, thuộc Đại học Quốc gia Kangwon, Hàn Quốc
VNUK’s Transfer Program Partners:
- Đại học Aston, UK
- Đại học Heriot – Watt, UK
- Đại học Monash, Úc
- Đại học Cesine, Tây Ban Nha
- Đại học Hull, UK
- Đại học George Mason, Hoa Kỳ
These exchange and transfer opportunities are like a “passport” for students to study abroad at an affordable cost. Each year, VNUK continues to expand its các trường đại học danh giá trên thế giới partners to deliver the best possible value to its students. It’s a golden opportunity to see the world, broaden your horizons, and make lifelong friendships.
Photo 9: Ngo Le Huy Hien – VNUK alumnus, sharing his journey of earning four Master’s degrees in Europe
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Conclusion
Choosing a learning environment that helps you develop knowledge, skills, and experience plays a crucial role in shaping who you are and who you will become after graduation.
With the vision of “Inspiring Bridge”, VNUK focuses on empowering students with valuable experiences and practical knowledge—helping them confidently win over recruiters and pursue their dreams and ambitions.
Become a VNUK student and make your university years unforgettable, filled with vibrant and meaningful experiences throughout your four-year journey at the Institute!
