In an effort to innovate teaching methods and narrow the gap between theory and practice, the Faculty and the Department of Economics recently organized a special seminar series featuring Mr. Nguyen Van Minh, M.A., Director of Hilife Co., Ltd.

The program was directly integrated into regular courses, enabling students to gain real-world insights right in the classroom. Specifically, the talk was held on July 21, 2025 (Summer Semester) for students of Principles of Economics, and continued on November 12, 2025 (Fall Semester) for students of Microeconomics.

Under the theme “Solutions to Overcome Crises and Optimize Business Profits – A Practical Perspective,” the speaker delivered in-depth insights into how businesses can “weather the storm,” along with valuable career-oriented advice for students.

Businesses Weathering Crises: Managerial Capability as the Key

At the beginning of the seminar, the speaker analyzed the global and Vietnamese economic landscape, highlighting forecasts on inflation and economic crisis cycles. According to the data presented, 32.9% of successful crisis responses are attributed to firms’ managerial capabilities. A series of practical lessons on flexibility were shared:

• Rapid adaptation: Students were introduced to agile thinking, quick adaptation, and opportunity recognition during crises. A notable example was Vietnam’s textile and garment companies, such as May 10 Corporation, which swiftly shifted from producing high-end suits to manufacturing protective clothing and antibacterial masks during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic to sustain operations.
• Cost optimization strategies: Businesses must identify the appropriate timing for cost-cutting. The initial phase of crisis management typically focuses on cost optimization and savings before pursuing new growth strategies.

• Lessons from global corporations: The case of American Express, which reduced personnel and marketing costs while maintaining investment in customer service to achieve a remarkable recovery after the 2008 financial crisis, was cited as a clear illustration of strategic management.
• In addition, the seminar introduced and illustrated the use of strategic analysis tools such as PEST, SWOT, and the BCG matrix, helping students better understand how firms assess the business environment, identify opportunities and challenges, and make managerial decisions during difficult periods.

Specialization or Diversification: Which Path for the Future?

One of the most engaging discussions centered on human resources: Do modern businesses need multi-skilled employees or highly specialized professionals?

• From a business perspective: During crises, rapid adaptability (49.5%) is a defining characteristic of organizations that successfully overcome difficulties. This places increasing demand on employees capable of taking on multiple roles when necessary.
• Advice for students: The speaker posed open-ended questions, encouraging students to chart their own career paths: Should one aim to become a deep specialist in a single field, or a versatile professional capable of adapting to constant market changes? Through open discussion, students were encouraged to assess their own capabilities, industry trends, and long-term development strategies, thereby shaping their career mindset early in their academic journey.

Balancing Study, Work, and Youth Union Activities

Beyond academic knowledge, Mr. Nguyen Van Minh also addressed practical concerns commonly faced by students:

• Should students work while studying? He encouraged students to carefully balance academic focus with early work experience to better understand real-world business practices.
• Youth Union and student association activities: These were highlighted as valuable environments for developing soft skills and cultivating both “ethics” and “vision”— qualities highly valued by employers during recruitment, alongside the ongoing debate over retaining talent versus retaining people with strong values.
• Investing in the future: Students were urged to define their own criteria for success and consider whether, upon graduation, they should prioritize immediate income or invest in pursuing work aligned with their passions.

Drawing from practical experience, the speaker emphasized that part-time work and participation in Youth Union activities, if well balanced, can help students develop soft skills, organizational thinking, teamwork abilities, and broader social networks—attributes increasingly valued by employers alongside professional knowledge.

Inspiring Message and Educational Significance

Concluding the seminar, the speaker left a powerful message:
“What matters is not whether you are a lion or a gazelle; when the sun rises, you should start running.”

The session not only provided knowledge, analytical tools, and practical experiences, but also inspired students with a proactive mindset, ready to face future economic “storms.”

Through the invitation of business practitioners as guest speakers, the Faculty and the Department of Economics have fostered an open learning environment where students not only listen to lectures but also engage in dialogue, critical thinking, and the integration of theory with practice. This approach aligns with modern educational trends, contributing to improved training quality and better preparing students for an increasingly competitive labor market.

In the coming period, the Faculty and the Department of Economics will continue to strengthen collaboration with businesses, inviting experts and managers to participate in teaching and sharing experiences, thereby contributing to the development of a workforce with strong professional competence, practical thinking, and high adaptability in a volatile economic context.

Lecturer: Doan Thi Thuy