Student ID Number: 21077073

ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT – Code: UMCDQ3-15-3

Word count: 3064

 APD_Component B

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART A...........................................................................................................................................3

TASK A: Short Literature review on graduate employability.....................................................3

1. The employability concepts:..............................................................................................3

2. Vietnamese’s labour market and graduate employability................................................3

TASK B: Self-reflection..............................................................................................................5

PART B:..........................................................................................................................................8

1. Job advertisement and Personality Test................................................................................8

1.1. Personality Test.............................................................................................................8

1.2. Job Advertisement.........................................................................................................9

2. CVs and Cover Letter.........................................................................................................10

2.1. CVs..............................................................................................................................11

2.2. Cover Letter.................................................................................................................13

3. Professional Development Plan..........................................................................................14

REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16
PART A
TASK A: Short Literature review on graduate employability.
1. The employability concepts:
Employability is the knowledge, skills and abilities of a person that help them easy entry into the
labor market, enable them to maintain a job, able to cope with changes and make sure they can
find another job if needed (Rehman & Mehmood, 2014). Graduate employability is also
understood as a set of achievements,skills, knowledge and personal attributes that make
graduates more feasible to be employed and successful in their selected profession (S. Sato et al.,
2021). Employability skills is divied based on three groups: Communication skills (like
Listening skill, Verbal communication, Written communication, etc.) , Technical skills (like Data
Analysis, Computer skills, Academic knowledge, etc.) and Core employability skills (like
Leadership, Personal organization, Co-operation, etc.) (Rehman & Mehmood, 2014). Among
them, Core employability skills is the most important but it is only measured relatively while the
other two sets of skills are more easily measured through the requirement process (Rehman &
Mehmood, 2014).

2. Vietnamese’s labour market and graduate employability

Employers ask for multiple skills, personal attributes and intellect that graduates have to possess
to increase their employability (Nguyen, 2011). For employers, soft skills are more important to
employability than technical knowledge because “codified knowledge” was provided to
graduates in learning may not be close to reality (Phan & Wongsurawat, 2016). According to
Mai, employers’ interest in soft skills and attitudes does not seem to change despite structural
changes and demand in labour workforce fluctuations over time, employers still give priority to
graduates who possess variety skills and adaptability well to any environment (Mai, 2018). Some
skills that employers are looking for can be mentioned as language skills, transferable skills,
leadership, teamwork skills, communication skills, technology skills, etc. (Nghia, 2018).

Vietnam is in the context of strong economic development through its integration into the world
economic market, along with remarkable progress in industrialization and modernization
(Truong et al., 2018). This creates job opportunities for Vietnam’s labor market, especially
graduates to develop and improve their qualifications (Truong et al., 2018). However, graduate
workforce is facing a lot of challenges in the labour market due to lack of right hard skills and
soft skills, experience and working capacity (Nguyen et al., 2019). Large Vietnamese enterprises
and foreign invesment businesses reported that current graduates do not meet the requirements
they set forth (Nguyen et al., 2019). Therefore, students need to cultivate and enhance their own
values in order to gain a competitive advantage in the harsh labor market and meet the
employers’ requirement. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) tries to equip their students with
relevant and practical knowledge and skills so that graduates can perform their work in the most
effective way and be able to adapt to the working environmnet, improving employability
(Truong et al., 2018). The sad reality in Vietnam’s labour market is that there are still many
unemployed students at their level of education (Nghia, 2018). It is because of a big gap between
the knowledge and skills students learned in university and the essece of the actual work (Mai,
2018).

In addition, labor market of Vietnamese graduates is affected by the development of information

technology and its application in different industries. Information technology is widely used to
make work easier, lower risk, more correct and cost effective; however, it makes the nature of
works change and become increasingly volatile (Mai, 2018). Gradually, in some industry, low-
skilled workers easily replaced by high technology like robot, AI technology if workers are not
equipped to use technology to their benefit (Worldbank, 2018). In order not to be replaced,
graduates need to equip themselves with numerous skills, especially in technology to control and
manage them. They also need to hone skills that technology cannot replaced like communication,
critical thinking, etc. (Worldbank, 2018).

The change in organizational structure and employment causes employers to demand and require
different skills and knowledge from graduate (Nguyen, 2011). The big mismatch between the
requirements of employers and the actual skills of graduates which makes graduates hard to work
effectively (Nghia, 2018). For instance, c ommunication skills are one of the most extremely
important skills, but it is the skills that graduates lack the most. Nghia’s research (2018) has
shown that, graduates studied by traditional learning methods and not actively participating in
extracurricular and social activities. Miss these opportunities graduates are prevented from
developing and honing their soft skills (Nghia, 2018). Some skills that students have cultivated
but they cannot use effectively in their work due to the traditional teaching and learning methods,
which affects their future working style (Mai, 2014). For example, the study of Mai found out
that, graduates at universities all have a good level of English; however, most of them face
difficulties in using foreign languages in their work (Mai, 2014). This creates significant
disadvantages for the workforce because of increasing internationalization, foreign investment,
international business and raised labour mobility in the Vietnamese market (Nghia, 2018).
Although soft skills can be learned and formed through work and real-life exposure, employers
still emphasize the importance of owing and equipping these skills available to graduates
because it will increase their employability and also match the need of the recruiter (Mai, 2018)

In summary, the literature review about the vietnam labor market and the employability of
graduates students in Vietnam. There is a big gap between skills and knowledge of graduates and
the nesscessary requirements in job affect the employability. Because of traditional learning
methods, lack pracitical experiences and soft skills that employability is low. Therefore, labor
employability, and the quality of skilled graduates need to be consider and improved.

TASK B: Self-reflection
A group presentation includes many elements such as communication, planning, organization
and division for the group members (Linabary, 2021). An effective group communication in
terms of interaction, decision making and conflict resolution will be beneficial for group
presentations (Linabary, 2021). In the process of working in group to prepare for the
presentation, we encounterd many problems in interacting and discussing with each other, but
also from that, we came up with a suitable solution and gained more team-working experiences.
Based on the Kolb’s Learning Cycle, I will describe and reflect on my teamwork process. The
Kolb’s Learning Cycle includes four stages of learning: Concret experience, Reflective
observation, Abstract conceptualization and Active Experimentation (Vince, 1998). Through this
reflection, I self-evaluate my suitability with the job in the Marketing industry and what I need to
improve.

Stage 1: Concret experience

In the preparation, our team discussed and gave ideas in the weekend meeting. All members
gathered information by themselves and discuss the key points together. This is an effective way
because we have a lot of time to communicate and interact. However, teamwork is not easy
because we have different conflicts and thoughts. Each member of the group have different role
like finding sources, summarizing content, doing slides and presenting. Despite the controversies
and disagreements, we finished our presentation well and satisfied all the member.

Although I prepared for the mock present by listing out the necessary content and practicing the
present, in the presenation, I made some mistakes because of nervous. I mispronounce some
words and sometimes read slides because I forgot my ideas.

Stage 2: Reflective observation

After completing the mock presentation and listening to the feedback from teacher, our whole
group had a meeting to discuss about the factors that need to be improved or changed so that we
can do better in the assessed presentation. I also received comments from other members on my
work, improved my speaking speed and pronounciation, edited the contents to make my work
more complete. Our team commented each others, it helps me to learn from their strengths and
avoid the mistakes of others. At this point, I realize that communicating with other members is
more important because they will be the one to follow my part, give me advice and feedbacks,
we can also exchange experiences together.

Stage 3: Abstract conceptualization

From the mock presentation, I have found out my pros, cons and my skills gap compared to the
Marketing field requirement. Some skills that evaluated important in Marketing are Database
analysis, Computer, Communication, Time management, Creative and problem solving (Schlee
& Harich, 2010).

The SWOT self-analysis:

 Strengths Weaknesses
Energitic and social Computer skills
Flexible Presentation skills
Self-discipline and time managment Not have many work experiences
Good communication skills Data mining and analysis
Young and good adaptability
Teamwork skills
Content Marketing Intern experience
Opportunities Threats
Opportunities to work in different Highly competitive in applying for jobs
environments High requirement in skills and experience
Experience different areas in Marketing sector
Have diverse job orientation

Having many strengths can help me maximize in taking opportunities and also mitigate possible
risks. I am flexible, social and communicative that make me easier to work in differents
environments like in a marketing agency or in marketing department. Having adaptability skills –
the key compentency for success at work will help me avoid problems like difficulty getting
along or feeling out of place at work (O'Connell et al., 2008). However, from the presentation
preparetion and feedback of teachers, my cons is founded to be overcome such as lack of soft
skills, experience – which prevent me meeting employers’ needs and lose competitive
advantages over competitors. Therefore, joining soft skills courses and extracurricular activitites
is essential to improve and gain competitive advantage in fierce competition Marketing industry.

Stage 4: Active Experimentation

Assessing my self on the pros and cons that I found through the mock presentation, I realized
that I have to improve and enhance multiple skills. To hone these skills, I need to prepare more
carefully, practice on my own and participate in courses. In addition, I need to prepare a more
comfortable and confident mind to do better in the assessed presentation and perfect myself to
raise my competitive advantage in Marketing field.
PART B:
1. Job advertisement and Personality Test
1.1. Personality Test
a. MBTI Test

In the MBTI test, I am in group ESFP-T, who is an extrovert, virbrant and full of energy. People
of this perssonality group are friendly, sociable, especially etremely creative and like to
experiment. I am evaluated as good at observing, feeling, helping people, energetic, optimistic
and able to persuasion people. Some of the pros I found through this personality test are the
communication skills, good adapatablity and work effectively. I was suggested a few professions
that suitable with my personality such as artist, designer and occupation related to business,
marketing and event fields.

b. RIASEC Personality Test

In the John Holland test, I received the assessment in group Enterprising, which is quite similar
to the MBTI test results. In addition, other strengths assessed through the RIASEC test are
planning and management skills, ability to influence others and leadership skills. Some
occupations are evaluated as suitable with my personalitu are job associated to Business,
Marketing, occopations related to Entertainment, Arts or Media – Communication.

From the two personality test, my character, skills and personality are evaluated the same and fit
with my future career direction in Marketing sector.

1.2. Job Advertisement

(Vietnamworks, 2021)

2. CVs and Cover Letter

 2.1. CVs
Nguyen Dang Phuong Nhi – BA (Hons) International Business Management
+84 969****** nhi********@gmail.com
UNIVESITY OF WEST OF ENGLAND
PERSONAL STATEMENT
A young, energitic candidate and able to adapt well to working environment. Being an extrovert
and sociable person, I have participated in many different activites and experiences in clubs,
groups. Flexible, creative, strong communication skills, able to work with people and good
teamwork ability, also interested in jobs in the fields of marketing, requiring creativity and
artistry. Having experience in variety marketing areas such as email marketing, content
marketing and seeding. Good at English and self-disciplined, suitable to the requirements and
nature of the job. I am also progressive, desire to dedicate and have the ambition to work in
different positions in the marketing arena.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
 The most active and effective member in the launching of Youth+’s career orientation
program
 Participated in the Young Marketer Contest 2021 for university students
 Accredited proficiency in English with Singapore’s TEG certificate
EDUCATION
 BA (Hons) International Business Management: University of the West of England –
UWE Bristol, Bristol, England (September 2018 – June 2022)
Expected GPA: First Class Degree (70 points up)
Modules: Marketing Essential, Management Accounting, Managing a Successful Business
Project, Business Strategy, Innovation and Commercial, Statistic for Management, Research
Project, Product and Service Development, Integrated Marketing and Communication, Digital
Marketing, Business Strategy, Business Project, Global Marketing Management, Multinationals
in the domestic and global context, Integrated business management simulation.
Memberships: ISME Outdoor Club
 Nhan Chinh Highschool (September 2015 – June 2018)
GPA: 8.3/10
Memberships: Nhan Chinh English Club, NC Young Leaders Club, Member of the Coming-of-
age Ceremony Committee.
CAREER HISTORY
Freelancer Content Writer (August 2021 – now)
 Write articles for online newspaper, websites and blogs for students
 Collaborator to write contents for Facebook groups and two clothing brands
  Sometimes, join as a collaborator for some give away programs
Youth+: Career and Future orientation organization – Content Marketing Intern (June 2021
– September 2021)
Youth+ was established in 2018, is an ecosystem that connects young people with each other and
young people with businesses, speicalizing in providing orientation programs, self-discovery
and advice on the development paths for young people.
 Write and publish articles on the organization’s website, Facebook, track interactions and
responses to the posts
 Planning the organization’s orientation programs, implementing marketing plans
including SEO, seeding, email marketing, etc.
 Scripting and planning tiktok channel
 Moderation and distributing work to team members
Chubblife Vietnam – HR Assitant (December 2020 – February 2021)
Chubblife is an international insurance company that provides specialized and flexible insurance
products to consumers. Chubblife is rated as one of the best places to work in Vietnam
 Post job vacancies, receive and sort out candidate profiles
 Contact, take care and arrange interview appointments, manage candidiate files.
Nut Closet – Staff (May 2018 – October 2018)
Nut Closet is a fashion brand in Hanoi
 Check and arrange goods
 Take care and consult to customer online and offline
 Generate ideas and manage content to post on shop’s Social Media: Facebook Instagram
SKILLS, INTERESTS & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
 Language: Fluency in English
 Computer Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SPSS, Canva
 Soft skills: Presentation skill, Teamwork skill, Communication skills and Adaptability
skill, Critical Thinking, Creativity
 Individual hobbies: Travelling, Watching movie, Social media and Cooking
 Memberships: ISME Outdoor Club, IBD Bootcamp Team Building, Nhan Chinh
English Club, Young Marketer Contest 2021
 2.2. Cover Letter
Nguyen Dang Phuong Nhi
Nguyen Ngoc Vu Road, Trung Hoa
Wards, Cau Giay District, Hanoi
Mrs Hoa
The Manager in ABB Automation and Electrification (Vietnam) Co., Ltd
Hanoi
Dear Madam,
Re: Marketing Intern (2021)
I am writing this letter to apply for the Marketing internship in your company as posted on
Vietnamworks.com. I will graduate in June and achieve BA(Hons) in International Business
Management from the University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.
I knew about ABB as an enterprise in the electrical and automation technology industry, which is
gradaully asserting its position in Vietnam. I am pleased to become a member of the company, to
participate in training activities, team building and promotion opportunities to try different
positions in the organization. The organization’s compensation, benefits and working
envionment in ABB appeal to me. I also look forward to contributing my ideas, skills and energy
to the work, and wanting to learn more, receiving support from other people.
As stated in my CV, I meet all the necessary requirements for the Marketing Intern. During my
learning program, I practiced presentation and teamwork skills, no matter what role I play in the
group, I am confident that I can work in the most effective way. My English skills is also fluent.
I have been involved in organizing and planning some activities at high school, and university
such as Coming of Age Ceremony, Orientation week and Bootcamp.
In addition, I had 3 months of internship in the role of content marketing at Youth+. During this
time, I have been trained in many aspects and gained more experience in creating content, SEO –
standard writing skills and writing scripts for video. I also take part in planning programs that
Youth+ organize and take on the task of managing seeding activities. My contributions are well
appreciated by my superiors and colleagues and used in the organizaton’s plans.
I have learned a lot of knowledge related to the field of marketing through the modules in my
curriculum like Marketing essential, Integrated marketing and communication, Digital Marketing
and Global marketing management. Besides, I once participated in a marketing contest in 2021
for students. Above all, I am a young, ambitious and good adaptability in any working
environments.
I am welcome to have the opportunity to be a part of ABB and dedicate my best for ABB. I
attach my CV including contact information and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours faithfully,
Nguyen Dang Phuong Nhi
Nhi********@gmail.com/ +84 969******
 3. Professional Development Plan
Learning and How and where you Time Who will Further
Development will get it. Be specific! Scales arrange it? comments
Need
Design and 1.Complete basic and In the 1.FEDU Design I will self-study
Photoshop skills professional design and next 6 2. Myself first and take a
photoshop courses months new course in
2. Use Youtube, January of 2022
Pinterest to cultivate
creativity
Microsoft Office Join the online MOS Within HomiesMos HomiesMos
Specialist course at HomiesMos the next organizes new
(MOS) year courses every
Sunday, after
completing the
Design and
Photoshop
courses, I will
join MOS
IELTS 1.Improve 4 skills In the Myself Register for the
preparation and through IELTS next 3 IELTS test in
test Cambridge months February 2020
2. Use Youtube, Esl-
Lab to learn by myself
IELTS practice test
online
Project Online course from Within Coursera The programe is
Management: Coursera the next in English and
The Basics for year has Vietnamese
Success subtitles and free
Conflict 1.Online course from Within Coursera Free course with
resolution skills Coursera the next Myself Vietnamese
2. Read the book year subtitiles on
“Leadership and Self- Coursera
Deception: Getting Out I can get the
of the Box book on the
website
Customer Online course from Within iPMAC Cost of buying
relationship iPMAC the next Myself books and
management Attend presentations by year Marketing and registering for
speakers specializing in Customer courses at
Marketing and Relationship iPMAC
Customer Relationship Management
Management speakers
Learn on Youtube
REFERENCES
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s.l.:Pressbooks.

Mai, T. Q. L., 2014. Graduates in the New World of Work in Vietnam: a study of the experiences
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Mai, T. Q. L., 2018. Skill gap from Employers' Evaluation: A case of VNU Graduates. VNU
Journal of Science: Education Research, Volume 34, pp. 1-13.

Nghia, T. L. H., 2018. The skills gap of Vietnamese graduates and final-year university students.
Journal of Education and Work.

Nguyen et al., 2019. Enhancing Graduate Work-Readiness in Vietnam: Challenges and

Strategies in the Twenty-First Century Asia Pacific and Beyond. In: The Transition from
Graduation to Work. s.l.:s.n.

Nguyen, M. T., 2011. Vietnamese students employability skills. International Education Studies,
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O'Connell et al., 2008. Unpacking Personal Adaptability at Work. Journal of Leadership &
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Phan & Wongsurawat, 2016. Enhancing the employability of IT graduates in Vietnam. Higher
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Rehman & Mehmood, 2014. Employability skills: The need of the graduates and the employer.
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S. Sato et al., 2021. Graduate employability and higher education's contributions to human
resources development in sport business before and after COVID-19. Journal of Hospitality,
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Schlee & Harich, 2010. Knowledge and Skills requirements for Marketing Jobs in the 21st
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Education and Culture Study.

Vietnamworks, 2021. ABB Marketing Intern. [Online]

Available at: https://www.vietnamworks.com/marketing-intern-44-1450417-jd?
utm_source=SalaryPage&utm_medium=BottomCorner
[Accessed 18 12 2021].

Vince, R., 1998. Behind and Beyond Kolb's Learning Cycle. Journal of Management Education,
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Worldbank, 2014. Vietnam Development Report 2014, s.l.: s.n.

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