State bank governor: internships must be more than 'making tea and pouring water'

Student internships must be a valuable period, with banks even able to recruit them immediately afterward, according to Pham Duc An.

Pham Duc An, Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, dedicated five minutes to discussing student internships and career opportunities at the Banking Academy's 2026-2027 academic year opening ceremony on 28/9.

Governor An highlighted the State Bank's significant interest in this issue, recognizing the crucial role of coordination between educational institutions and credit organizations, particularly commercial banks.

"I strongly desire that student internships be a valuable time for practical application, not merely for making tea, pouring water, and receiving a certificate of attendance", An stated.

According to An, schools and commercial banks must adjust their mechanisms and programs to allow final-year students to engage in some capacity with the work of a bank officer. This approach mirrors practices in many foreign banks, where the internship process also serves as an assessment for potential recruitment immediately upon graduation.

The State Bank leader emphasized that academic study is only one aspect. While high scores are necessary, they do not tell the whole story. Only through practical experience can employers comprehensively and thoroughly evaluate whether academic learning translates effectively into real-world application.

Additionally, the Governor urged banks to continue supporting the Banking Academy in developing its facilities, establishing simulated models for students to practice within the school, and enhancing job promotion activities to increase student access to opportunities.

Record applications for Banking Academy in 2026

Associate Professor Bui Huu Toan, Director of the Banking Academy, expressed the institution's strong desire for a special program that integrates theoretical training, led by the academy, with practical training provided by commercial banks.

"Nothing is more valuable than Banking Academy students, starting from their third year, gaining foundational theoretical knowledge while also being trained by bank officers", Toan said. "We are committed to producing human resources who can be immediately effective upon recruitment".

This year, the Banking Academy is celebrating its 65th anniversary. The institution, under the direct purview of the State Bank of Vietnam, primarily focuses on training human resources for the economic, financial, and banking sectors.

The academy currently has over 20,000 students. In the 2026 QS Asia University Rankings, the Banking Academy was ranked in the 1201-1300 group for the first time.