The Golden Ticket to Landing a Job in Finance and Banking

A panel discussion was held with the participation of speakers: Dr. Tran Manh Ha – Head of Training, Banking Academy; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Hoai Linh – Institute of Finance and Banking, National Economics University; Mr. Mai Huy Phuong – Deputy Director of Digital Banking, Military Bank – MB… along with nearly 1,000 students from universities in Hanoi.

Students need to be “tenacious”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Hoai Linh – Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Finance and Banking, National Economics University – opined that among the three requirements of personnel, attitude (including discipline, perseverance, tenacity, and eagerness to learn) is the most important factor. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Linh stated that Gen Z enjoys numerous advantages compared to Generations X and Y, but they also face countless challenges, such as stress and complex geopolitical fluctuations, as well as the rapid advancement of technology.

“Consequently, the forms, substance, knowledge, and abilities of Gen Z far exceed those of previous generations. Recognizing this, the National Economics University has consistently modified its curriculum and graduation standards to keep up with the times,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Linh remarked.

Accordingly, every two years, the National Economics University reviews, adjusts, and even modifies its educational content if necessary. Data science in economics and business is a compulsory subject that students must take. In addition to traditional subjects, students majoring in Finance and Banking must also study financial technology and data analysis. Furthermore, to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, the National Economics University has made it mandatory for students to participate in a practical specialization course at least four times during their four years of study.

The level of specialization in these practical experiences increases with each subsequent session. According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Hoai Linh, a student’s mindset, awareness, and attitude play a crucial role in their ability to complete their academic tasks and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to meet job requirements. “No matter how difficult it may seem, if you set specific, measurable, realistic, and time-bound goals that align with your abilities, you will be able to overcome any challenge,” she asserted.

At the seminar, Mr. Mai Huy Phuong – Deputy Director of Digital Banking at Military Bank MB – shared two key lessons he learned on his very first day of work. According to Mr. Phuong, after graduating, he interviewed at 20 securities companies but eventually found his place at a bank. Mr. Phuong revealed that he chose to work at a bank simply because he wanted to work with foreign experts to improve his English skills.

“On my first day of work, I was overwhelmed when an Indian specialist handed me two English-language documents, despite my limited foreign language proficiency. I immediately asked for a leave of absence. After a day of contemplation, I decided to return to work and began to focus on my tasks with renewed tenacity, perseverance, and determination,” Mr. Phuong recounted.

According to Mr. Phuong, critical thinking and the ability to challenge the status quo are highly valued in the banking industry. At MB, most initiatives originate from young employees. However, Gen Z also has weaknesses, such as a lack of tenacity and resilience, which can lead to giving up when faced with obstacles and difficulties. Therefore, Mr. Phuong suggested four essential skills that young people need to acquire to prepare for the working environment, including data analysis, marketing, technology, and staying up-to-date with technological trends, as well as foreign language proficiency. In particular, he emphasized the importance of perseverance in adapting to a highly professional environment and adhering to the organization’s work discipline.

How to Get Your “Passport to Employment”

In light of the digital transformation of the economy in general and the banking sector in particular, Dr. Tran Manh Ha – Head of Training at the Banking Academy – observed that universities are not exempt from this trend. Universities will be at the forefront of providing high-quality human resources for the industry, including the Banking Academy, National Economics University, Foreign Trade University, and Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

According to Dr. Ha, the Banking Academy has been developing in two parallel directions in recent years to meet the demand for high-quality human resources related to the industry’s digital transformation.

“First, we offer interdisciplinary and integrated training programs in areas such as digital marketing, e-commerce, digital banking, and financial technology. Half of the program focuses on banking, economics, and commerce, while the other half covers information technology. Graduates of this training program will have a solid foundation in both economics and technology,” Dr. Ha explained.

Additionally, the second direction involves integrating digital skills and graduation standards. Dr. Ha concurred with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Hoai Linh’s viewpoint that university education should not only impart knowledge but also shape attitudes and skills. “Every two years, we conduct a review and make improvements based on feedback from employers and other stakeholders, thereby enhancing our graduation standards and helping learners adapt to the requirements of the banking industry in general and individual banks in particular,” stated the Head of Training at the Banking Academy.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thai Ha – Deputy Head of Organization and Personnel, Vietnam Foreign Trade Joint Stock Commercial Bank (Vietcombank) – informed that Vietcombank allocates 70% of its annual recruitment quota to new graduates (approximately 1,500 candidates).

For candidates who are fresh graduates with no prior work experience, we require a strong foundation in professional knowledge and English proficiency. Additionally, we assess their presentation skills and career orientation when working at the bank. “We also highly value students with diverse experiences and relevant professional certificates obtained early in their academic careers,” Ms. Ha remarked.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thai Ha also added that Vietcombank currently prioritizes candidates who can speak Korean or Japanese, as many FBI businesses are investing in Vietnam.

“You can submit your application at any time after graduation. When submitting your application, the bank does not require you to present your degree certificate. Only when you are hired and start working will you need to submit your graduation certificate,” Ms. Ha emphasized.

Sharing his insights, Mr. Mai Huy Phuong – Deputy Director of Digital Banking at Military Bank MB – addressed the question of whether one can work in a bank without a background in technology, economics, or banking.

“You can definitely work in a bank, as economic disciplines share a common foundation, and only 30% of the knowledge is specific to your chosen major. What matters most is your dedication to excelling in your studies, as this will be your ‘passport to employment,’ ensuring that your resume stands out during the application process. However, the recruitment process typically involves multiple rounds, so you must thoroughly understand the position you are applying for, its job description, and your strengths. Additionally, you should equip yourself with essential skills in technology and foreign languages,” Mr. Phuong advised.