Hoa Sen University Trains Event Management Professionals to Meet Industry Demand

As the influence of events continues to expand, the demand for skilled event managers is rising. To fulfill that demand, Hoa Sen University has led the way as the first institution in Viet Nam to offer an Event Management program since 2020.

Experiential learning from the first year

According to MSc. Le Au Ngan Anh, Program Director of Event Management of Hoa Sen University (HSU), stated that the Event Management program was a promising field in the context of international integration, with demand for senior personnel increasing. Furthermore, events were not only about entertainment but also covered media, marketing, conferences, sports, and weddings. 

In the past, most people working in the industry had studied in unrelated fields or had relied on practical experience alone, resulting in a shortage of qualified staff for management positions. “Recognizing the increasing demand across Viet Nam, HSU has offered Event Management training since 2020. The program enables students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the event management process and equips them with essential skills to establish a career direction during their studies”, Ngan Anh emphasized.

Moreover, addressing the growing demand, she highlighted a key strength of HSU’s Event Management program: more than 70% of the subjects are assessed through hands-on event projects instead of written exams. Following this approach, each class operates like a mini event company, where students take on roles in marketing, communications, operations, finance, and logistics. Along with classroom learning, they gain hands-on experience by working on real projects for 4 – 5 months.

Enterprise Engagement in Training

In addition, the program lasts 3.5 to 4 years, with specialized subjects starting in the second semester of the first year. This allows students to gain real-world and work experience from the beginning of their studies.

“We engage senior industry specialists as distinguished lecturers to provide practical and industry-relevant perspectives. What’s more, HSU and the Faculty maintain strong partnerships with event organizations, enabling students to access internships and employment opportunities throughout their studies”, she commented.

Event Management graduates from HSU are well-equipped to take on key roles in the industry, including event planning, client and project management, event coordination and supervision, content development and scriptwriting, as well as professional wedding planning.

Event Management is not just for energetic or creative students; it is a space where different personalities can thrive. Creative students can lead the creative concept of events. Those with a passion for visuals and storytelling can shine in program directing, content creation, or scriptwriting. For anyone who loves romance and celebrations, wedding planning offers a chance to bring unforgettable moments to life.

Regarding income for Event Management graduates, she revealed that entry-level salaries typically started at VN$8–10 million per month. She added that salaries tended to rise with experience, and that after a few years, earnings could reach VN$10 – 15 million per month, or higher for those in management or working across various projects.  The field offered financial stability and room for career growth.

Opportunities for innovative and proactive individuals

With its dynamic, creative environment and diverse career pathways, Event Management is drawing the interest of more and more young people. For Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Tien, a 2022 cohort alumna, the spark began in high school. She recalled that organizing small school events helped her discover a strong passion for event work, one she hoped to pursue as a long-term career.

Driven by her creativity and the desire to grow in a professional environment, she chose to pursue the Event Management program at HSU. Throughout her studies, she witnessed a clear transformation in her mindset, moving from simply applying familiar approaches to confidently integrating technology and innovation into her work, allowing her to continuously develop and gain confidence in her career path.

“Thanks to the dedicated guidance of lecturers and my involvement in various activities, conferences, and seminars at HSU, I not only gained practical knowledge but also developed professional behavior and strong work management skills”, she claimed.

For those who were thinking about the Event Management program, she emphasized that university life was far more than textbooks; it was a journey to explore our passion, unlock potential, and grow. She believed that choosing the right program gave students the strength to face challenges with confidence, and that HSU’s Event Management program was a supportive space where students could learn, experience, and shine in their own way.

Ms. Huynh Gia Diem, an alumna of the Event Management program currently working in the Event Department at JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon, commented on her academic experience at HSU: “The Event Management program at HSU encourages proactive and innovative thinking. Its well-developed curriculum equips students with theoretical foundations while providing opportunities to engage in real event projects, including large-scale ones”.

What impressed her most was the vibrant learning environment, where students could build and showcase their soft skills through club activities and HSU Youth Union events.

HSU’s Event Management program equipped me with the skills and experience I needed to confidently enter the professional world. What I valued most was learning from lecturers with real experience. Their guidance played a key role in shaping my future. From leading teams to overcoming challenges in event organizing, I realized that every obstacle taught me new lessons and helped me grow stronger and more mature.

Ms. Huynh Gia Diem, Event Management program Alumna

As the Program Director of Event Management, MSc. Le Au Ngan Anh expressed her hope that the program would continue to innovate to meet social needs, thereby training high-quality human resources.

Created: Tan Tai – Hoai Thuong

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