NATIONAL ECONOMICS UNIVERSITY

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INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT
Practicum Report

Student name: Nguyễn Tuấn Phong

Student ID: 11225109
Class: Business English 64C

Hanoi, 2024
 PRACTICUM: Workplace Learning Experience

Student name Nguyễn Tuấn Phong

Student ID 11225109
Class Business English 64C
Email 11225109@[Link]
Teacher name Ph.D. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Huyền
MA. Đinh Ngọc Anh

Workshops Date time Instructors

Workshop 1 15/09/2024 MA. Đinh Ngọc Anh
Workshop 2 22/09/2024 Ph.D. Nguyễn Thị
Thanh Huyền
Fieldtrip: Sunhouse 12/10/2024
Group

TABLE OF CONTENT
Workshop Reflection .........................................................................................2
Field trip reflection.............................................................................................7
Final Report......................................................................................................10
Introduction.......................................................................................................10
PART I: DISCOVER MYSELF...................................................................11
PART II: MY CAREER FINDER................................................................13
PART III: MY SMART GOALS..................................................................15
Conclusion.........................................................................................................16

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 WORKSHOP REFLECTION
1. Summary of the workshops
Recently, I had the pleasure to participate in two workshops conducted by the
Business English Department of National Economics University, regarding the subject of
our career readiness and preparation. Through this reflective writing, I have the
opportunity to share what I have learned, and my perspective regarding this burning
subject.
Workshop 1: Finding Career Direction
In this workshop, I learned a variety of concepts related to career finding and the
directions that I should take in order to achieve it. The key takeaways are as following:
1. The concept of Ikigai.
2. Future career trends: Insights on the worldwide job market, along with the
importance of staying updated and adaptable to align with evolving career
demands.
3. Definitions of Skills, differentiations between competencies, skills, abilities,
and personal attributes, emphasis on soft skills (communication, teamwork,
leadership) and hard skills (technical expertise, formal qualifications).
4. Employability Skills Framework: Non-technical or generic skills essential for
work performance, according to frameworks from the U.S. and Australia.
5. Definition of Attitude and learning the importance of attitude during
employment.
6. Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset: The differences between a Fixed Mindset
and a Growth Mindset.
7. Values: showing the importance of the value that a person chooses to perceive
themselves, and how it is vital to not just stick to one value alone.
8. Habits: the relationships between Skills – Knowledge – Attitudes – Habits, and
the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Steven R. Covey).
9. Personal Development: Importance of self-awareness, understanding one's
values, beliefs, and goals, setting SMART goals for effective self-management.
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 Workshop 2: BE Talk
In the second workshop, we followed Ms. Helena Hanh Dang as she shared
her insights on the process of employment, and giving us instructions on how to
craft a desirable profile for future job application. During the workshop, a few
things stood out to me the most:
1. 8 steps to a successful job application process and the importance of preparing
an effective job application.
2. What employers pay attention to the most when reviewing a CV, and tips to
create a unique, eye-catching CV
3. The secrets to achieving a nine-figures salary: Beyond technical knowledge
and skills, attitude plays a crucial role.
4. 7 skills to increases productivity and work speed up to double, or triple
2. Critical reflection.
a. Academic Perspective
The two workshops significantly enhanced my understanding of several key
concepts and theories related to career preparation. For instance, one of many
concepts which intrigued me during the first workshop was the concept of
“Ikigai”. According to Wikipedia, Ikigai ( 生 き 甲 斐 , lit. 'a reason for being') is a
Japanese concept referring to something that gives a person a sense of purpose, a
reason for living. In Western culture, it is generally believed that you have truly
found your dream career when it includes four qualities: “What you love; What
you’re good at; What you can be paid for; What the world needs”. When these
four qualities overlap with each other, they form your Ikigai in the intersection,
which you will also find a balance of passion, talent, and impact, ideally leading to
a happy life and purpose.
This challenged my previous assumption and understanding of what makes
a fufilling career. I always thought that doing what you love or what you are good
at to make a living is the only thing that matters, and that as long as you are still
happy doing your job, then you will have a dream career. But after exploring the

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concept of Ikigai, it challenged my own belief, and made me wonder if having a
fulfilling career is more than just being satisfied by doing what you love, but rather
a balance of passion, profession, mission and vocation that will create a sense of
purpose and reasons to live. It has deepened my awareness of how passion, skills,
societal contributions, and financial viability can all intersect to create a fulfilling
career path.
The second workshop also enhanced my understanding of creating an
efficient job applications. My previous assumption was that in order to create a
good resume, it’s important to emphasize on your work experience and
qualifications, and to highlight the proofs of those experience (certifications,
degrees,…) on your resume. Ms. Helena emphasized on the importance of
preparing an effective job application, viewing it as the most impactful way to
market oneself. A job application is not merely a tool to express the desire for a
job but is also a “secret weapon” for standing out among other candidates and
capturing the recruiter’s attention. That’s percisely why in order to create an
effective application, one must express their burning desire to get in that position,
their confidence, competence, and their passion for the job. Moreover, it is vitally
important for applicants to demonstrate their skills in their resume in order to
prove that they have the necessary ability to handle given tasks. These takeaways
have significantly enhanced and flipped my perspective on the process of creating
a job application.
The workshops also revealed both strengths and gaps in my skillset. While I
possess strong communication and collaboration abilities, the need to strengthen
my adaptability and technical proficiency became evident. For example, a group
exercise during one session required us to quickly pivot from one problem-solving
approach to another due to changing parameters. This experience highlighted my
relative discomfort with sudden changes, emphasizing the importance of
cultivating a more adaptive mindset for my professional development.
b. Personal perspective:

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 The workshops did not only enhance and recontextualize my prior
knowledge, but it also prompted me to reflect on myself and see how eye-opening
these experiences were.
The concept of Ikigai, for instance, matters to me because it reinforces the
idea that career choices should not solely be driven by external pressures such as
job market trends or salary expectations. Understanding this concept encourages a
more introspective approach that prioritizes personal fulfillment. The consequence
of this shift is a greater focus on aligning my strengths with career opportunities
that resonate with my values, thereby fostering a more sustainable and rewarding
career path.
Prior to attending the workshops, I held the assumption that excelling in
technical skills alone would secure my career progression. This belief was
challenged when I learned about the critical role of soft skills such as adaptability
and effective communication. As someone who lacks such skills in both school
and social settings, this part really opened my eyes on the importance of having
soft skills. From my personal experience, I used to work part-time as a waiter at a
local café. Even though I fufilled my tasks well, and followed discipline while
working, my lack of communication with co-workers was always the point of
complaint from the manager, as I came off as unfriendly and uneasy to work with.
This also was not a good look in front of customers, as I couldn’t express a
welcoming attitude. As a result, I got fired just one month into the job. This
revelation along with the workshops’ newfound knowledge prompted me to
change and improve on not just my technical skills, but also my attitude,
positivity, resilience and adaptability in order to prepare for my career.
And finally, one of the most surprising takeaways for me from the
workshop was the emphasis on understanding employers’ perspective when
crafting job applications. Realizing that an effective application is not merely a
summary of qualifications but a strategic marketing tool for applicants was eye-
opening. For instance, an exercise in one of my university classes involved

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 analyzing sample resumes from a recruiter’s point of view, which revealed how
tailoring specific achievements to align with the job description could make a
significant impact. This insight has reshaped my approach, motivating me to refine
my resume and cover letters to better align with what potential employers seek.
3. Conclusion.
In conclusion, these workshops have equipped me with a broader, more
nuanced understanding of career development. The sessions have underscored the
importance of balancing hard and soft skills, aligning personal passions with
career paths, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. Moving forward,
I am committed to applying these lessons by refining my job application strategies
and continuously improving both my technical and interpersonal skills.
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 FIELD TRIP REFLECTION
Sunhouse Group
Sunhouse Group – A renowned name in the home applicants industry in Vietnam,
established in the 2000, and until now, it is undeniable that Sunhouse has cemented
themselves as one of the leading names in the market. With more than 60000 selling
points, 500 distributors, 6 big factories and 1000 type of products, within its 24 years of
existing, establishing and developing, we can clearly see just how much influence that
this company has, and especially on the Vietnamese’s job market. Having experienced
first hand the work environment and being introduced to the company’s policies in terms
of employment through the field trip conducted by our Business English Department, it
has provided me with a variety of useful insights about the industry, workplace
environment, the job market and its demands, and so on. And for this reflection writing, I
want to give my own thoughts and opinions about the Sunhouse Group, as well as
reflecting on myself and my plans for the future.
During our visit to the Sunhouse Group's factory and office, several notable
strengths and limitations were observed. One key strength is the company’s commitment
to innovation and quality in its product range. The factory showcased a diverse array of
modern home appliances, each designed with cutting-edge technology to meet consumer
needs. For instance, Sunhouse products are manufactured on Korean modern chains and
technologies, maximizing the need for aesthetics and convenience compared to the types
of household products available on the market, with groundbreaking technological
products such as: non-stick pans, stainless steel pots, aluminum pots, Anod pots...This
reflects their robust research and development capabilities, which are essential for
maintaining a competitive edge in the industry. .
However, the visit also revealed certain limitations, particularly in employee
training and skill development. While the company proudly presents its competent
workforce, there appeared to be opportunities for more comprehensive training programs
to enhance employees’ technical expertise and adaptability to rapidly evolving
technologies. The significance of continuous skill development has been well-
documented, with scholars noting that investing in employee training can lead to higher
productivity and innovation (Becker, 1993; Batt & Colvin, 2011). Furthermore, slight
inefficiencies were observed in the supply chain management, where reliance on specific

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suppliers could potentially create delays or bottlenecks. According to Christopher (2016),
robust and flexible supply chain strategies are vital to mitigating risks and maintaining
seamless operations. Addressing these areas would not only streamline processes but also
bolster Sunhouse Group’s resilience and reinforce its position as an industry leader.
I would recommend implementing a comprehensive employee training and
development program. While the company has a well-established operational structure
and a skilled workforce, enhancing employee training could significantly boost
productivity, innovation, and overall job satisfaction. Currently, employees appear to
possess a foundational level of technical expertise, but investing in continuous learning
initiatives would prepare them to adapt to emerging technologies and industry trends.
Research highlights that organizations that prioritize workforce development see
increased productivity and employee retention. According to a study by Batt and Colvin
(2011), firms that offer extensive training programs report lower turnover rates and
higher engagement levels among employees. Enhanced training programs would enable
employees to refine their skills, improve their problem-solving abilities, and foster a
culture of continuous improvement. This approach aligns with the principles outlined by
Kolb (1984) in his experiential learning theory, which emphasizes the value of learning
through practical experience and reflection. To implement this change, Sunhouse could
adopt a blended learning strategy that combines in-person workshops, online courses, and
hands-on practice. Additionally, partnering with technical training institutes and
incorporating mentorship programs could accelerate employees’ career growth and
enhance job satisfaction.
I believe the role of a Quality Assurance Specialist would align closely with my
skills and interests. This position requires meticulous attention to detail, an analytical
mindset, and a commitment to ensuring qualities - all qualities I possess and have honed
during my academic experiences. Quality Assurance specialists play a critical role in
maintaining the reliability and safety of products, ensuring that they meet regulatory
requirements and company benchmarks. During the field trip, it was evident that
Sunhouse places a strong emphasis on product quality and innovation, making this role
crucial for the company’s continued success. Observing their rigorous testing protocols
and the integration of advanced machinery highlighted the importance of Quality
Assurance in their production cycle. My skills in foreign languages, analytics, technology
skills and leadership ability would enable me to contribute effectively to these processes
by implementing thorough product evaluations, identifying potential areas for
improvement, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to uphold high-quality
outputs.

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 In conclusion, the field trip to Sunhouse has offered me valuable insights into the
industry, exploring the company’s commitment to innovation and providing high quality
products to their customers, cementing itself as a leading force in the home appliance
industry. At the same time, observing the company through an objective standpoint
reveals their limitations in their employees training process, which leaves room for
improvement. The field trip also provided me with the opportunity to observe my own
strengths and weaknesses, as well as envisioning a suitable position for myself to
consider and to strive for in the future. Overall, it is to me, a one in a lifetime experience
that will assist me in orienting my career path and prepare myself better for the near
future.
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REFERENCES
1. VnEconomy (2011), SunHouse: Đột phá công nghệ để thành công,
[Link]
2. Martin Christopher (2016). Logistics & Supply Chain Management. Pearson UK
3. Rosemary Batt and Alexander J. S. Colvin, An Employment Systems Approach to
Turnover: Human Resources Practices, Quits, Dismissals, and Performance.
Academy of Management Journal.
4. Gary S. Becker. (1993). Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis,
with Special Reference to Education. University of Chicago Press.
5. David A. Kolb, (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of
Learning and Development. Prentice Hall.

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 FINAL REPORT
CREATE YOUR FUTURE | My Career Finder
INTRODUCTION
Perhaps one of the most significant decisions in our life is going to be our decision
on our career path. “What is your passion?”, “What do you love to do?”, “What will you
do to make a living?”,… These questions, though may seem simple on the surface, are
actually what most people in the age of adolescene often ponder. The reality is, very few
people know what they truly want to do for a living. Being able to integrate what you’re
good at with what society demands of you to form a fulfilling career for yourself is not
something so easily achieved by most people. And I am no exception in that regard. Ever
since I was a highschool pupil, I have heard the questions above from others, and have
asked myself those same questions, for so many times by now. Yet I could not find a
definitive answer for myself, and three years later, I am now a third-year student, but not
much has changed since then. As a result, I find the process of discovering myself as soon
as possible to provide a well-thought-out career decision to be extremely crucial for not
just myself, but everyone else in their adolescene in the same position of me, who are
struggling to find out what they truly want to do with their life. So, this final report will
serve as a form of self-reflection, a lever to push myself to the right decision, and most
importantly, to create my own path, the path which will ultimately lead me to a fufilling ,
dream career.

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PART I: DISCOVER MYSELF
1. My personality type
 ISFJ
Through conducting a personality test on myself provided by the
16Personalities website, based on the The Myers-Briggs® system regarding the 16
MBTI personalitiy types, I have found myself to be a Defender.
ISFJ, as established by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), stands for
Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging, and they are usually referred to as
Defenders. Defenders are quiet caretakers, warm and kindhearted individuals,
offering unwavering support and practical care to others around them, and
providing them a sense of dependability. Their keen eyes for exceptional
observation skill and excellent memory allows them to determine what people
want or need, often even before they realize it themselves. Along with their
organizational abilities to create a structured plan to everything they have to deal
with. They also bear a certain sensitivity to others’ emotion, which can both be a
blessing and a challenge. Their empathetic characteristic allows them to form deep
connections and provide support to others, but it can also lead to neglection of
their own feelings in favor of others’, resulting in burnout or resentment if left
unchecked.
To describe myself, I am what people around me would consider a standard
introverted person. For instance, being given a choice between going to a prom
night to have fun with others, or staying at home in solitary and have my own fun,
I would choose the latter. Of course, being introverted doesn’t necessary means
that I always prefer avoiding the crowd all the time, in fact, I do feel the need to
socialize after a long while staying inside. Spending time alone gives me an
opportunity to reflect on myself, while also incubate new ideas and deepens my
imagination. As a result, for most assignments given by lecturers, I find myself
having an easier time brainstorming ideas and finishing them all by myself without
any company or assistance. Moreover, I am keenly observant to everything around
me, whether it is people or a problem presented in front of me, I usually spend
most of my time taking a step back and observe first, then act accordingly after I
have gathered enough insights and found a conclusion for myself. I also see
myself as a deeply empathetic person with listening capability, combined with my
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quiet introverted self and a colorful inner mind, I found myself being able to
patiently listen to others’ sharings and thoughts, while also resonate and cmpathize
with them through my own experiences, and giving them profound advices.
2. My work-related strengths.
- Observational skills: As mentioned above, I have the ability to observe
people and other problems, perceiving them throughly before judging or
taking action.
- Attention to subtlety and details: With my observant eyes comes the ability
to inspect every little detail and aspect carefully, always the first to notice
the smallest mistake.
- Organizational and efficient in tasks: I always strive to find a structured
way to perform any task in the most efficient way possible)
- Great responsibility: When it comes to working, I hold my job at the
highest responsibility, always priortize disciplining myself, taking my job
seriously.
- Carefulness and patience: My slow approach to observing everything
around me results in my carefulness and patience, as I always double-check
multiple times before turning in reports, and taking everything slow, one-at-
a-time, never rushing my work as I believe it can lead to severe mistakes.
3. What I am good at.
One of the things I am really good at is in the category of translation, as it
aligns extremely well with my English skill. A little bit of personal sharing, but I
am the proud owner of a Youtube Channel, specialized in translating foreign songs
to Vietnamese for entertainment purposes, while also providing educational values
to my videos, by helping people with no English background whatsoever to
resonate and understand the lyrical value of their favourite songs, while also
expressing my appreciation for the artists that I love, and overall, to help erase the
language barriers between music and listeners.
I also find my sensitive inner mind and my attention to details to be good
qualities that enhance the efficiency of my translating. For instance, having a
sensitive mind can positively impact my ability to understand the feelings behind
the source material, and paying attention to small details help me notice what the
writer is implying in a sentence through small details such as words, metaphors,…
or even notice errors in my own translation in general.

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PART II: MY CAREER FINDER
After conducting several researches along with giving sometime to think for
myself, I have come to the conclusion that the best suited career path for myself will
be as an English-Vietnamese Translator
1. Job Description.
Job title: English-Vietnamese Translator
Job purpose: Convert written material from English into Vietnamese, making sure
that the translated version conveys the meaning of the original as clearly as
possible.
Job’s duties:
- Read given material and research industry-specific terminology
- Convert text and audio recordings from one language to one or more others
- Ensure translated content conveys original meaning and tone
- Prepare subtitles for videos and online presentations
- Cross-reference specialized dictionaries and translation tools to check
quality of translation
- Proofread translated texts for grammar, spelling and punctuation accuracy
- Follow up with internal team members and clients to ensure translation
meets their needs
- Edit content with an eye toward maintaining its original format (e.g. font
and structure)
2. Foundation skills:
- Advanced linguistic skills: A excellent grasp and fluency of English’s and
Vietnamese’s vocabulary, grammar and the ability to comprehend complex
structures, including academic, technical, or colloquial language.
- Proficient technology skills: The ability to utilize technology, mainly
computer and other supporting tools like printer, fax machine, editing
softwares,...
- Cultural knowledge: Understanding cultural contexts in both languages’
environments is crucial for deeper and more accurate translation.
- Time-management skills: Efficient handling of deadlines and multitasking,
prioritizing assignments and maintaining consistent productivity

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 - Research skills: Ability to find reliable sources for terminology, cultural
references, and industry-specific language. Knowledge of online
dictionaries, thesauri, and databases for cross-referencing.
- Writing Skills: Ability to write clearly, concisely, and appropriately for the
target audience, paraphrasing without losing the original meaning
3. Workplace and career specific skills
 Collaboration Skills
- Teamwork: Working with other translators, editors, or localization
specialists in larger projects.
- Coordination: Aligning with proofreaders, quality assurance teams, or
technical experts to ensure accuracy.
- Client and Team Alignment: Maintaining open lines of communication to
meet expectations.
 Client Relationship Management
- Requirement Analysis: Understanding the client’s purpose, tone, and target
audience.
- Effective Communication: Keeping clients informed about project progress
and clarifying ambiguities.
- Managing Feedback: Being open to constructive criticism and revising
translations as per client feedback.
 Project Management
- Time Management: Ability to estimate time required for projects and
adhere to deadlines.
- Prioritization: Juggling multiple projects efficiently without compromising
quality.
- Organizational Skills: Keeping track of project files, glossaries, and
revisions systematically.
 Problem-Solving Skills
- Handling Ambiguities: Decoding unclear source texts using context,
research, or queries.
- Conflict Resolution: Addressing client dissatisfaction or disagreements
diplomatically.
- Adaptability: Adjusting to changing project scopes or tight deadlines.
4. Common workplaces for translators
- Freelancing: Working independently for multiple clients or agencies.
- Translation Agencies: Being part of a team that handles diverse projects.
- Publishing Houses: Translating books, articles, or academic papers.

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 - Corporations: In-house translation for internal documents, marketing
materials, or client communications.
- Government and NGOs: Translating legal documents, treaties, or outreach
content.
- Media and Entertainment: Subtitling, dubbing, or script localization.
5. Future job trends
At the time of writing this report, the development progress Artificial
Intelligence is still a burning subject among the job trends of 2024. There are
debates that through enough time, AI will eventually replace the need for
translators in general, rendering the job useless in the near future. Notable tools
like ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot,…are the leading forces of this trend.
However, because computer algorithms will need more time to be upgraded and to
adapt to more speaking patterns across the world, the role of human translators
still remains, especially in contexts requiring cultural sensitivity, nuanced
understanding, and creative adaptation. While AI tools can handle straightforward
translations effectively, they often struggle with idiomatic expressions, complex
texts, and the subtle emotions conveyed in literature or marketing materials.
Another emerging trend in 2024 is the growing demand for machine
translations post-editing (MTPE). Translators are increasingly taking on roles
where they refine AI-generated content, combining efficiency with human
oversight to meet quality standards. This shift highlights the evolving nature of the
profession rather than its obsolescence.
Additionally, the rise of localization, adapting content for specific cultural
and regional markets has expanded opportunities for translators. Businesses are
recognizing the importance of tailored content to connect with diverse audiences, a
task AI alone cannot yet master
PART III: MY SMART GOALS
SPECIFIC What do you I want to become a talented and skillful translator,
S
want to do? specialized in business translations
M When I finally achieve an in-house translator position
in a company that I feel attached to long-term.
How will you
Building long-lasting relationships with clients and
know when
MEASURABLE co-workers. Feeling content with what I currently
you reach it?
have, finding my own Ikigai, a job which fulfills
what I love doing, what I’m good at with what the

15
 world needs and what I can be paid for.
Currently, If I keep developing and improving my
already established linguistic skills, along with my
Is it in your
communication skills, technical and soft skills, and
power to
ACHIEVABLE heading towards finishing my degree, taking
A achieve it?
internship programs to gain more experiences,
achieving a desirable IELTS band and working my
way to a B2/C1 certification. It is a lot of work still in
progress, but it is still in my power to achieve
Can you Realistically, I am not fully certain that everything
realistically will go according to plan. Worst case scenario, I will
REALISTIC
R achieve it? have to reserve a plan B for a teaching, or assisting
teaching career, which will require me to acquire a
Pedagogical certificate along with my degree.
When exactly Post-graduation, or a few years later if I decide to
do you want persue a second degree. But if everything goes
T TIME-BOUND
to accomplish according to plan, then maybe I will be able to settle
it? everything when I am 24.

CONCLUSION
And this is going to be the end of my Final Report. In conclusion, choosing a
career path is always easier said than done. That is why it takes a lot of preperation and
thorough research in order to form a concrete path for you to follow. As a third-year
student of National Economics University, preparing to graduate, it is important for me to
forge my own path to a fulfllling and desirable career through careful and considerate
decisions, as will not allow me to make a living for myself, but will also satisfy my
passion for translating.
And I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest gratitude to the
teachers of the Business English Department for their insightful sharing and profound
advices during their workshops, in order to aid us in our journey of discovering ourselves
and opening a new path to our future. After finishing this report, I have now gained new
perspectives and have found the right path to achieving my goal, to a bright and
promising future.
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