On the morning of August 20, 2025, Nam Can Tho University organized a special talk show titled “Working Near or Far – Which Is the Better Choice?” at Hall E2, as part of the DNC Job Fair 2025. The event aimed to connect students with employers. DNC Job Fair 2025 marked a decade of accompanying students on their career journeys, opening thousands of valuable job opportunities. In that context, the talk show “Working Near or Far – Which Is the Better Choice?” was considered a meaningful highlight, offering a space for dialogue and orientation specifically for soon-to-graduate students.
To provide diverse perspectives, the organizers invited four guest speakers who are experienced female business leaders, closely connected to students:
The presence of guest speakers from Dat Xanh Mien Tay and CARA Group – prominent enterprises actively operating in Can Tho – attracted great interest from students. Each speaker brought a unique experience: some who stayed and succeeded in their homeland, others who dared to “go far” to prove themselves. Together, they shared their stories with the next generation of graduates.
In particular, the Q&A session became vibrant as many students boldly raised their hands to exchange directly with the guest speakers on issues they cared about. Everyday concerns such as “Should I leave my hometown to build a career in the city?” or “How can I persuade my family to support me if I want to work far away?” were asked frankly. The close two-way dialogue atmosphere seemed to blur the distance between speakers and students.
Throughout more than 90 minutes of the program, the speakers explored the theme of “working near – working far” from many angles. First, the advantages and challenges of both career choices were analyzed in detail. Speakers My Hong and Thanh Thuong – with long-term experience working locally – emphasized the benefits of “working near”: a familiar environment, lower living costs, closeness to family, and less competitive pressure.
“Starting a career in your hometown gives you a strong mental foundation. Being near family means you have a strong support system, which is no small advantage when just graduating,” shared Mrs. Thanh Thuong.
However, the speakers also frankly pointed out limitations: career opportunities in medium-sized provinces may not be as abundant as in large cities, especially in industries requiring large-scale markets.
On the other hand, the two speakers from CARA Group provided insightful perspectives on “working far.” Mrs. Pham Thi Lien, who once worked in Ho Chi Minh City, shared her story of overcoming the initial unfamiliarity of being away from home:
“Working in a new environment helps you broaden your horizons and grow quickly, but it also means being fully independent and adapting to unfamiliar cultures and lifestyles. It is truly a major challenge that not everyone is ready for.”
According to Mrs. Lien, young people who dare to work far often accumulate rich experiences, dynamic thinking, and diverse professional networks in the broader labor market. This can become a competitive advantage when returning to their hometown to start a business or when advancing to higher positions. However, she also advised students to carefully consider their personal circumstances:
“Each person has their own situation and aspiration. Some are suitable to thrive in a dynamic international environment, while others perform best when working close to their family. The important thing is to clearly understand what you truly want.”
The speakers agreed that there is no fixed answer to the question of “working near or far” – the core lies in each young person actively equipping themselves with the right career mindset and necessary skills, ready to seize opportunities anywhere. In the talk show, DNC students were provided with useful information about current recruitment trends and the labor market picture in the Mekong Delta compared with big cities. For example, speaker My Hong pointed out that the demand for high-quality human resources is increasing in Can Tho and other Mekong Delta provinces as many large companies expand their operations to the region, creating “golden opportunities at home” for young people. Conversely, Mrs. Chuc Ly – someone who “went far to return” – shared her view of the working environment in big cities: fiercely competitive but also “broad enough for each young person to find their passion and shine if they truly strive.” These practical comparisons and vivid insights helped students better understand the job market in each area, enabling them to confidently define their career paths.
In addition, the program focused on equipping students with personal development skills and mindsets. Speaker Chuc Ly – as a successful DNC alumna – inspired her juniors with her own story. She shared passionately: “Whether you choose to work near or far, always maintain a progressive spirit and never stop learning. Every experience, whether success or failure, is valuable baggage that helps you grow.” According to her, students need to actively “step out of their comfort zones” – starting with small things like joining projects, clubs, or internships away from home – to practice independence and adaptability. This message received much applause from the young audience.
At the end of the talk show, many students lingered to continue conversations with the speakers, seeking direct advice, demonstrating the program’s strong appeal and practical significance. This was not just a seminar, but a bridge of inspiration between previous generations and young people about to enter life. “The talk show helped me untangle many concerns about my career future,” a student shared. “I feel more confident knowing that whether I choose to work near home or far away, as long as I try my best, I can achieve success.”
With thorough preparation and practical content, the talk show “Working Near or Far – Which Is the Better Choice?” provided DNC students with valuable takeaways before graduation. The experiences, sincere advice, and inspirational messages from the guest speakers are the motivation for young people to confidently shape their future. Once again, this event affirmed the educational philosophy of Nam Can Tho University: always accompanying students, enhancing knowledge – expanding opportunities through meaningful practical connections. It is believed that with the foundation provided by the university and impactful programs like the DNC Job Fair, DNC students will be more confident on their journey of building a career, whether their choice is to “work near” or “work far.”
