FROM THE LECTURE HALL TO THE BUSINESS WORLD: THE GROWTH JOURNEY OF VAN HIEN LOGISTICS STUDENTS
Against the backdrop of increasingly complex global supply chains and the rapid growth of Vietnam’s logistics sector, the journey of Logistics and Supply Chain Management students at Van Hien University extends far beyond acquiring knowledge in the classroom. It is a transformative journey in which young students gradually develop from unfamiliar freshmen into confident young professionals ready to enter the business world.
This journey is marked by several important milestones: theoretical learning, practical internships, and ultimately, the transition into a professional working environment.
1. First Steps in the Lecture Hall
When students first enter the field of Logistics, they often experience a combination of curiosity and uncertainty. Concepts such as supply chain management, warehousing and logistics management, multimodal transportation, and international freight forwarding may initially seem abstract. However, the curriculum at Van Hien University is designed to closely integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enabling students to quickly develop an understanding of how real-world supply chains operate.
During this stage, students build a foundation in economics and business administration, alongside specialized subjects such as logistics management, transportation management, customs procedures, and import-export operations.
From the early years of their studies, students are also encouraged to participate in academic clubs and specialized seminars featuring professionals and businesses from the logistics sector. These activities provide students with a more realistic understanding of the labor market while gradually developing essential soft skills such as teamwork, presentation, and problem-solving.
2. The Internship – A Critical Turning Point
While the early years of university education provide the foundation, the internship represents one of the most significant turning points in the professional development of Van Hien Logistics students. It is the stage when students step beyond the familiar environment of the lecture hall and immerse themselves in the pace and demands of real-world business operations.
During their internships, students may work in departments such as import-export, warehousing and logistics, documentation, customer service, or transportation coordination. Through these experiences, they learn how to work under time pressure, coordinate with different departments, and respond effectively to unexpected situations.
Many students share that their internship experience helped them recognize the practical value of the knowledge they had acquired in the classroom while also identifying areas where they needed to further develop their skills. It is also an important opportunity to begin building professional networks, which can play a significant role in their future careers.
3. Developing Soft Skills and a Professional Mindset
In addition to professional expertise, the development journey of Van Hien Logistics students is closely associated with continuous soft-skill development. The logistics industry requires professionals with strong communication skills, critical thinking, negotiation abilities, and, particularly, the capacity to work effectively under pressure in a constantly changing environment.
Through extracurricular activities, specialized academic competitions, and entrepreneurship projects, students gradually develop professional working habits: punctuality, responsibility, initiative, and effective time management. These qualities are highly valued by logistics employers and, in some cases, may be just as important as academic performance.
Furthermore, foreign-language proficiency, particularly English for import-export and logistics, is an essential component of this journey. Logistics is a highly internationalized industry, where communicating with international partners and understanding international transportation documents are part of everyday professional activities.
4. From Students to Young Professionals
After completing their academic studies, practical training, and internships, many Van Hien Logistics students enter the business environment with confidence, initiative, and a strong willingness to contribute.
Some students are offered official positions by the companies where they completed their internships, based on their strong performance and professional attitude. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the university’s practice-oriented approach to education.
Once they officially enter the workforce, graduates continue to learn and develop throughout their careers. The strong foundation built during their years at Van Hien University becomes a valuable asset, helping them adapt quickly to professional environments and pursue sustainable career development.
5. Conclusion
The journey from the lecture hall to the business world for Van Hien Logistics students is a process of comprehensive development—not only in professional knowledge but also in skills, attitudes, and professional mindset.
The harmonious integration of theoretical learning, practical training, and real-world experience helps develop a new generation of young logistics professionals who are dynamic, confident, adaptable, and ready to contribute to the future development of Vietnam’s logistics industry.