S.T.A.R Training Roadmap – 4 Steps to Becoming a ‘Star’

Many experts and employers have complained at various conferences, business meetings, and job fair that “many students have knowledge but can not work efficiently” and that “they have studied a lot of English but can not use it” This highlights that English proficiency and soft skills are crucial for student success.

4 Steps to Secure a Good Job with High Salary

Given the increasing demands of the labour market, universities must change their mindset. Major knowledge alone is insufficient; the training roadmap must equip students with additional skills and practical experience to secure good jobs with high salaries upon graduation.

Career fair at Nguyen Tat Thanh University.

The S.T.A.R training roadmap, developed and applied by the NTT Institute of International Education (NIIE) at Nguyen Tat Thanh University (NTTU), provides a solution to help students develop necessary skills and keep up with domestic and international labour market trends.

Especially for high school students uncertain about their future, the S.T.A.R roadmap helps them quickly adapt to university life, build specific study strategies, and actively create their best version.

The S.T.A.R training roadmap was developed by NIIE based on years of collaboration with foreign institutions.

Dr. Nguyen Tuan Anh, Vice President of NTTU and Director of NIIE, stated: “With 15 years of collaboration with partner schools abroad and a clear understanding of employer requirements, NIIE has developed the S.T.A.R training roadmap, which stands for 4 stages: Start – Transition – Action – Ready, corresponding to 3.5-4 years, ensuring students possess the 3 key elements for success: expertise, fluent English, and solid skills.”

Start – Transition: The Initial Steps

In the first year – Start, NIIE focuses on building a strong foundation in English, developing soft skills, and exploring the major. The English study time is about 25%, serving as an initial step to acclimate to the bilingual environment. Students also receive career orientation and participate in field trips to relevant businesses and factories to ignite passion and motivation for their studies.

NIIE students participate in field trips to businesses and factories right from the first year.

In the second year – Transition, the English study time increases to 50%, with a focus on improving language skills to achieve a B2 level (IELTS 5.5-6.0). In terms of expertise, students take foundational courses to build their knowledge base. With the Project – Problem-Based Learning method, NIIE students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations right in the classroom.

NIIE students also attend workshops and seminars to meet experts, gain practical knowledge, and listen to industry-specific insights.

Action – Ready: Breaking Through to Become a ‘Star’

In the third year – Action, students are “upgraded” to study 75% in English. The continuous use of English in specialized and extracurricular activities helps students develop reflexes and confidently communicate.

Students can also perfect essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. Additionally, startup competitions and scientific research projects provide “playgrounds” for students to practice, showcase their enthusiasm, and demonstrate their creativity.

NIIE students develop comprehensively through extracurricular and academic activities.

Finally, in the Ready stage, students study and update their knowledge through classes conducted 100% in English. They also engage in internships, where they work as actual employees. With a network of domestic and international business connections, NIIE ensures that students intern in their desired field and industry.

Mr. Duong Thanh Hau, a former NIIE student, was retained by FPT Group immediately after his internship.