What I'd do differently to get hired faster, if I were a student again

University should be treated like a launchpad, not a waiting zone. Most students however, treat it like a waiting zone—first get your degree, then figure out how to become employable.

But the most forward-thinking students treat the university ecosystem as a personal testing ground. If I were a student again, I wouldn't wait—I'd begin building skills from day one.

That might mean launching small experiments, like creating:

- A newsletter, a podcast on what I’m learning in class or a YouTube channel to share my views about current affairs

- A personal site to showcase my projects such as a portfolio of class work, freelance gigs, or side projects like photography or design

- A side hustle, even if it only made VND20,000 e.g. selling handmade items online, tutoring, or offering freelance writing

Why? Because employers are seeking action-takers, not passive learners.

A businessman shakes hands with a job applicant in office. Illustration photo by Pexels/Sora Shimazaki

Clear communication has opened every door in my career. Every opportunity I've received started with a well-written email, a thoughtful message, a compelling pitch or a simple thank-you note. As a student, I would write almost every day, even if just a paragraph. I’d practice explaining tough concepts simply, raise my hand more (in class), ask sharper questions and learn how to listen.

Why? Because in the real world, clarity is an indicator of confidence.

Demonstrating value matters far more than describing traits. In university, everyone says they’re "hardworking" or a "team player." For employers, that’s just noise. A better approach would be to build a small portfolio of proof such as:

- A class project turned into a case study such as documenting the process of a group project with outcomes, challenges and personal contributions

- One real result that showed ownership e.g. improving a process, increasing engagement, or creating something tangible such as a working website

- An internship leveraged for extra impact such as taking on tasks beyond the basic requirements and meticulously explaining these through creative platforms such as a blog

Remember! Unpaid experience can be just as compelling as any job title, if you can highlight its value. Why? Because proof turns potential into credibility - and credibility opens doors.

Relationships should be built long before they're needed. I used to think networking was for after graduation. That was a mistake. In school today, I'd reach out to people doing work I admired—on LinkedIn, via email, or after guest lectures. I wouldn't ask for a job. I'd ask, "How did you get started?" or "What do you wish you knew at my age?"

People remember genuine curiosity and the earlier you plant those seeds, the more likely they grow into referrals or opportunities later. Why? Because the best referrals come from people who've seen your curiosity, not your résumé.

Even one high-value, marketable skill can change everything. Most of what I use in my job today was not taught in school. If I had a do-over, I'd choose a skill like design, web development, copywriting, data analysis or digital marketing—and dedicate focused effort towards mastering it. That is often enough to set you apart from 90% of other grads.

Use the time university life provides you to become someone that employers can't ignore. Why? Because the market rewards specialists, not generalists who blend in.

Usefulness is magnetic and is more important than being impressive. Employers don't care about your potential if they can't see how it translates into usefulness. It's very helpful to score high in exams but additionally, I'd focus on becoming someone who can figure things out, work well with others and consistently follow through. That could mean:

- Organizing a campus event from scratch

- Running a small peer study group to accelerate learning

- Troubleshooting tech issues for a student club

Each one a hands-on way to grow problem-solving and teamwork skills. Why? Because usefulness, not perfection is what draws opportunities.

Here's the bottom line: I wouldn't wait for life to begin after graduation. I'd build early, speak clearly, show proof, meet people and become useful.

The job market doesn't always reward degrees. But it always rewards readiness which is something you can start creating now—much before you even leave campus.