Career-building journey of Dong Nai’s young workers

Amid the strong development of the Southern Key Economic Zone, Dong Nai is becoming a destination for hundreds of thousands of young workers seeking career opportunities.

Young workers strive to work at Jason Furniture Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Dong Xoai III Industrial Park, Binh Phuoc ward). Photo: Thao My

With its advantages in industrial development, a vibrant labor market, and a dynamic environment, Dong Nai is not only a place to earn a living but also a launchpad for the entrepreneurial aspirations of workers from across the country.

Striving to rise

Nguyen Thoai Nhi, a young worker at Jason Furniture Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Dong Xoai III Industrial Park, Binh Phuoc Ward), shared that after graduating from university, she chose to come to Dong Nai with the intention of building a long-term career. The dynamic working environment, along with supportive policies from both local authorities and enterprises, has helped her feel more secure on her journey to establish her career and stabilise her life.

“The decision to come to Dong Nai to work was a major turning point in my life. With the diverse job opportunities, the stable income, and the dynamic environment, I can learn and develop myself. Beyond simply having a stable job, I am also planning to accumulate experience, improve my skills, and gradually move into more important positions within the company,” Nhi said.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Van Hai, a worker at Amata Industrial Park (Long Binh ward), said that in his early days away from home, he faced several obstacles, including the pressure of living costs, the industrial working environment, and high labor intensity. However, with his persistence and constant learning spirit, he gradually adapted and secured a stable job. Once settled, he began to plan for the long term. In addition to covering daily expenses, he sets aside part of his income for savings. At the same time, he actively acquires additional skills to improve his professional capacity and increase his earning potential.

Hai emphasized that once one leaves home to work far away, it is essential to have long-term goals rather than a temporary mindset. Satisfaction at work always goes hand in hand with daily responsibility. This sense of responsibility motivates him to complete his tasks well and strictly comply with company regulations. At the same time, he also hopes to contribute to building a civilized and united working environment together with fellow workers.

In reality, many workers leave their hometowns for Dong Nai carrying aspirations for a better life. These workers, however, also face numerous challenges, such as adapting to a new living environment, work pressure, and increasingly demanding requirements in terms of skills and labor discipline. Nevertheless, starting from simple jobs, many young workers have demonstrated perseverance, a progressive mindset, and a strong determination to rise. Through continuous learning, experience accumulation, and training opportunities provided by enterprises, they gradually improve their skills, take on more important roles, and steadily affirm their capabilities.

Workers participate in activities organized by the trade union.

Opportunities from an industrial hub

Dong Nai is currently one of the country’s major industrial centers, with dozens of industrial parks attracting both domestic and foreign enterprises. This feature has created a significant demand for labor. In 2026 alone, enterprises in the province are expected to require more than 170,000 workers, an increase of nearly 20% compared to the previous year. Not only is the quantity of jobs abundant, but the labor market is also diverse, covering sectors such as manufacturing, mechanical engineering, electronics, and services. This diversity is a key factor attracting large numbers of young workers from across provinces and cities, particularly recent graduates or those with limited experience.

According to Bui Thi Bich Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial Labor Federation, amid the wave of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Dong Nai’s young workforce is undergoing a strong and visible transformation. No longer passive in the face of market demands, many workers have proactively pursued vocational training, improved their skills, and quickly adapted to new technologies to meet the increasingly high requirements of modern production. As a result, they not only improve their income but also gradually stabilize their lives, opening up more sustainable career pathways.

In addition, enterprises are actively improving working conditions, increasing wages, bonuses, and benefits to retain workers. Many companies have invested in automated production lines, reducing manual labor while creating opportunities for workers to develop professional skills. With long-term welfare policies in place, the situation of job-hopping among young workers has decreased, and clearer career orientations have emerged. Notably, initial challenges have become valuable experiences, helping young workers accumulate knowledge, refine their skills, and gradually adapt to a more professional working environment.

Duong Hoang An, Chairman of the grassroots Trade Union at Jason Furniture Vietnam Co., Ltd., stated that the company currently employs more than 5,500 workers, most of whom are young workers from various provinces and cities. This workforce is dynamic, ambitious, and plays a crucial role in the company’s stable development. Their career-building journey reflects a combination of opportunities and challenges. Starting from basic or semi-skilled jobs, many have made continuous efforts, gradually advancing and affirming themselves in a modern industrial environment.

Clearly, the young workforce brings new vitality, contributing to the development of a dynamic and professional working environment that meets the demands of modern industry and integration. In the future, as Dong Nai continues its transition toward a high-quality economy, young workers, with their dynamism, creativity, and aspiration to rise, will remain a pioneering force, continuing to write promising career stories on this land.

With more than 1.4 million workers, the young workforce plays a core role in the province’s economic development. However, challenges remain in terms of human resource quality, as the proportion of highly qualified workers is still limited. This challenge requires young people not only to work hard but also to continuously learn and improve their qualifications to adapt to new development trends.

By Thao My – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho