AIESEC, originally an acronym for Association Internationale des Étudiants en Sciences Économiques et Commerciales, is the world’s largest student-run organization with a presence in over 107 countries and territories and a membership of over 50,000.  “Focused on providing a platform for youth leadership development, AIESEC offers young people the opportunity to be global citizens, to change the world, and to get experience and skills that matter today,” as its website notes. 

AIESEC Hanoi recently hosted a “Consultancy Breakfast,” which I, unfortunately, was unable to attend.  Its purpose was to consult external stakeholders about the most important event of AIESEC Vietnam in 2012: National Leadership Development Conference 2012. We were looking forward for advices to organize the conference in the most professional and effective manner. During a friendly breakfast last for one hour, we facilitate a friendly discussion about the opinions from business perspective about youth, and their expectation toward next generations.

The three main points of discussion were as follows: 

What companies are looking for in a young person?

• Active learner
• Positive attitude
• Critical thinking 
• Clear career plan 
• Social and volunteer activities

What qualities do Vietnamese students need to improve?

• Plan your future in the company before applying
• Develop interpersonal skills
• Think out of the box, be innovative
• Be active when you approach employers
• Multicultural  work experience

What does the business community want to know about the younger generation?

• How they prioritize, make decisions
• How they identify “good” employers
•  Their expectations of companies

MAA

P.S.:  I have a confession to make:  AIESEC is one of my favorite student-run organizations.