My son secures $2,000 monthly salary in Vietnam three years after returning from studying in Singapore

Reading articles about the challenges faced by returning international students such as lack of connections and cultural clashes, I feel that many of these concerns stem from outdated perceptions of Vietnam. While unfair hiring practices exist in some places, they are far from the norm in today's job market.

I'd like to share the success stories of my children, who studied abroad and returned to build thriving careers in Vietnam. I firmly believe they would not have achieved the same level of success had they chosen to stay overseas.

Two men discuss their work on a laptop. Illustration photo by Pexels

My eldest son's journey is a testament to this. After attending an international school in Vietnam, where he and his schoolmates received multiple job offers from provincial government recruiters at their graduation ceremonies. bHe decided to pursue further studies in Singapore. This was nearly two decades ago, demonstrating that even then, one did not need connections or bribes to secure opportunities in Vietnam.

When my son returned after completing his degree, I asked if he needed my assistance with any paperwork. He smiled and said everything was accessible online. Within five days, he secured a position at a Korean company in Ho Chi Minh City, earning US$900 per month. His salary rose to $1,400 after his internship and reached $1,900 within three years. Today, as the head of our family business, he continues to operate with integrity, never having to resort to gifts or bribes in his dealings with government agencies, banks, or partners.

My daughter and her husband have had similarly inspiring experiences. After completing their master’s degrees abroad, they returned to Vietnam and found jobs without delay. In fact, my daughter was offered a position even before her graduation. For nearly 15 years, they’ve held key roles at foreign direct investment (FDI) companies. Their income has consistently supported a comfortable middle-class lifestyle in HCMC, achieved entirely through hard work and professional merit.

Our family's experience highlights the changes happening in Vietnam's job market. Today, employers prioritize talent, education, and professionalism. Well-educated, internationally trained individuals who bring modern work habits to the table are in high demand.

Vietnam is evolving rapidly, and opportunities abound for those willing to embrace the country's progress. My children's stories serve as proof that returning home after studying abroad can lead to fulfilling and successful careers without compromising on ethics or principles.