
Creative projects took center stage at British University Vietnam's Career Day in June, giving employers the opportunity to assess students' practical skills, creative thinking, and industry readiness beyond traditional CVs.
Held within the Summer Show 2026 by the university's School of Communications and Creative Industries (SOCCI), the event featured more than 150 one-to-one interviews within the exhibition space, where recruiters reviewed graduation and creative projects and discussed the ideas, research, and development processes behind them.
More than 25 employers from creative studios, brands, and industry organizations, including Mattel, InDd Creative Design, Van-Hoa Studio, Moon Active, and DeeDee Animation Studio... participated in the event to explore recruitment and collaboration opportunities.
Student projects showcased at the event gave a practical basis to assess students’ skills and creative thinking. Photo by Thanh Nguyen
Employers look beyond academic results
As creative industries evolve, employers are placing greater emphasis on practical problem-solving, independent thinking, and the ability to develop projects from concept to completion.
During the event, recruiters reviewed portfolios, discussed research methods, and explored how students translated ideas into commercially relevant creative work.
Nhu Nguyen Dang Thanh, Manager at InDd Creative Design, said the company was impressed not only by the finished projects but also by students' ability to explain the thinking behind each stage of development.
"We carefully considered and supported every stage, from research and concept development to execution, with clear reasoning," he said.
Nguyen Huyen Chau, Founder and CEO of Van-Hoa Creative Studio, said many projects reflected extensive research, experimentation with materials, and the ability to combine design, illustration, and production.
"These are qualities employers increasingly value when recruiting young creative professionals," she said, adding that several projects successfully balanced creativity with commercial relevance.
BUV Career Day gave students the opportunity to receive feedback directly from industry professionals. Photo by Thanh Nguyen
Bridging the gap betwwen education and employment
The event also enabled employers and students to discuss potential collaboration immediately after portfolio reviews.
According to CEO Huyen Chau, the format helps strengthen links between universities and industry while allowing companies to identify potential candidates more efficiently.
"After reviewing several projects, we discussed potential collaboration opportunities with some students during the event itself. It creates value for both sides; businesses can identify suitable talent while students gain direct access to the industry in a professional and supportive environment," she said.
Mattel representative also described the university as a valuable recruitment partner for creative talent. Photo by Thanh Nguyen
Vu Thi Hue, Associate Manager of People and Culture at Mattel Vietnam, said holding Career Day close to graduation helps employers connect with candidates entering the job market.
"Holding the event immediately after students complete their studies allows employers to engage with graduates at exactly the right moment," she said. "It shortens the recruitment process and helps organizations connect with candidates who are ready to begin their careers."
Career Day brought together employers from across Vietnam's creative industries. Photo by Thanh Nguyen
The recruitment opportunities generated through Career Day 2026 demonstrate how closer collaboration between universities and industry can help narrow the gap between education and employment. For employers, the event provides early access to emerging creative talent. For students, it offers an important opportunity to transform creative projects into the first step of their professional careers.
British University Vietnam is Vietnam's first QS 5-Star university and the first university in Vietnam and ASEAN to be accredited by the U.K.'s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). The university says its programs combine academic study with industry experience to prepare graduates for employment or further study.
See here for more information about the university's School of Communications and Creative Industries.
View original source — VnExpress ↗


