Career Advice Detail Asean

Information Technology

Overview

For the last few years, IT has made a significant contribution to the country′s GDP with an annual revenue of USD 13.633 billion recorded in 2011. (2013 Vietnam IT Report, http://www.researchandmarkets.com/).

According to the Decision No. 418/QD-TTg by the Prime Minister approving the Strategy for Science and Technology Development for the 2011-2020 period, development of science and technology together with education and training are the top national policies and key motivations for the country’s fast and sustainable development. Specifically, information and communication technology are priotized with the aim to increase annual turnovers 2-3 times higher than of GDP growth and the contribution to GDP will reach 8-10%. The government would be a significant factor underpinning IT industry bright outlook which provides a range of initiatives and funding allocation to develop the domestic IT industry.

Career opportunities

The rapid growth of IT industry in Vietnam in the recent years encourage the development  and investment of many domestic and international IT companies in Vietnamese market. Along with this is higher demand for high-skilled IT human resources which brings various opportunities for IT graduates and programmers.

After graduation, students have a variety of options to start-up their own business or work in IT companies, IT department of private/ state-owned companies or involve in research and teaching at Universities, Colleges and Vocational training specialized in IT. Some examples of graduate careers in the IT sector are:

• Applications developer: translate software requirements into workable programming code and maintain and develop programs for use in business.
• Database administrator: responsible for the performance, integrity and security of a database. They will also be involved in the planning and development of the database as well as troubleshooting any issues on behalf of the users.
• Information systems manager: responsible for the computer systems within a company
• IT consultant: advises clients in order to improve improve the structure and efficiency of IT systems.
• Network engineer: mainly involved implementing, maintaining, developing communication networks within an organisation or between organisations.
• Systems analyst: design new IT solutions, modify, enhance or adapt existing systems and integrate new features or improvements with the aim of improving business efficiency and productivity.
• Web designer: plan, create and code web pages, using both non-technical and technical skills to produce websites that fit the customer′s requirements.

Source:
Website of Ho Chi Minh University of Technology - http://www.hutech.edu.vn/tuyensinh/index.php/tin-t-c/tin-hu-ng-nghi-p/367-hac-nganh-cang-ngha-thang-tin-a-khang-lo-that-nghiap
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/index.htm

Key employers

FPT - Website: www.fpt.com.vn
MICROSOFT – Website: www.microsoft.com/vi/vn/
IBM – Website: http://www.ibm.com/vn/en/
CMC – Website: www.cmc.com.vn
TMA – Website: www.tmasolutions.com
SAIGONTEL – Website: www.saigontel.com
GENPACIFIC – Website: www.genpacific.com.vn
HPT – Website: www.hptvietnam.com.vn

Forums

There are many useful forums for Vietnamese IT students where users can discuss and collect information about the IT sector, the recruitment campaign and salary level of key employers in the fields simply by creating an account. Through discussions among members, the forums could also provide various helpful skills and advices about study, career orientation and job application tips. Two of the most typical forums are:
 

• Hanoi University of Engineering and Technology Students & Alumni Forum. Website: http://www.fotech.org/forum/index.php?act=idx
• University of Information Technology Forum.
  Website: http://www.uit.edu.vn/forum/index.php?act=idx  
   

Beside students’ forums, the following also allow people to discuss and update news and knowledge on information technology.

• http://vozforums.com/index.php
• Forum for IT students Website: http://sinhvienit.net/home/

Advice

Relevant work experience is beneficial, including experience gained through vacation work and summer placements. Besides the technical skills which is essential, students should keep up to date with the development of new technology in their fields.
Source: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/index.htm

Students can also look at IT Career tips – Be wise (English). Source: Jidaw – Website: http://www.jidaw.com/certarticles/bewise.html
The following websites would provide students with helpful knowledge and updated information about IT industry, especially in Vietnam.
- http://www.ictnews.vn/ - the electronic newspaper of Ministry of Information and Communication of Vietnam
- http://www.thongtincongnghe.com/