A Guide for Overseas Vietnamese Professionals Starting Career in Vietnam

"They'll value my international experience."

"I know the culture—I grew up here."

"The transition will be smooth."

These are the thoughts many Vietnamese professionals have before starting their journey in Vietnam. Whether you're returning after years abroad or exploring your ancestral home for the first time, the reality often surprises even the most prepared.

The Reality Check

Take Mai's story. After three years in Singapore's fast-paced marketing scene, she thought transitioning to Vietnam would be seamless. "I spoke the language, understood the culture—or so I thought," she shares. "What I didn't expect was how much both I and Vietnam had changed. Success came when I stopped trying to replicate my Singapore experience and started learning how things work here."

Six Keys to a Successful Transition

Sarah, Head of People & Talent at Arches, has seen how Overseas Vietnamese turn challenges into opportunities and build successful careers. Here are her key insights and tips to share:

1. Be Patient

? DO: Give yourself six months to observe

? DON'T: Push for changes in your first month

?? HOW: Keep a weekly journal of workplace observations and learnings

2. Find Your Tribe

? DO: Connect with active communities

? DON'T: Stay in your comfort zone

?? HOW: Search "Overseas Vietnamese" on LinkedIn groups & join their regular networking events globally (both in Vietnam & foreign countries, they are in the US, Singapore, Europe..)

3. Balance Innovation with Local Practices

? DO: Learn local business customs first

? DON'T: Compare everything to your previous workplace

??HOW: Ask a local colleague to be your culture buddy

4. Seek Mentorship

? DO: Find guides who understand both worlds

? DON'T: Try to navigate alone

?? HOW: Reach out to 2-3 LinkedIn members with similar backgrounds who've made the move

5. Leverage Your Global Network

? DO: Join cross-border industry groups

? DON'T: Lose touch with international connections

?? HOW: Schedule monthly virtual coffees with former colleagues

6. Stay Authentic

? DO: Share your unique perspective when relevant

? DON'T: Hide your international experience

?? HOW: Prepare your "bridge builder" story - how your background adds value

Real Voices

"The key was finding the right balance. I stopped trying to be either 'too international' or 'too local' and instead focused on bringing the best of both worlds. Some companies didn't know what to do with my international experience. Others valued it immensely. It's about finding where your unique perspective adds the most value."

— Minh, Product Manager

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Transitioning your career to Vietnam isn’t always easy, but with the right guidance, it can be incredibly rewarding.

"By the way, as someone working in talent acquisition, I'm always excited to meet international Vietnamese professionals. In fact, I'm hiring right now! Feel free to connect on LinkedIn" — Sarah Le , Head of People and Talent at Arches.

#ReturneeSuccess #CareerGrowth #Leadership

Discover more at arches-global.com.