Homeward and Upward

After earning my degree in Human Resources, I knew I wanted a career that combined my love for people with my passion for business. I started off in sales, building core communication and negotiation skills in the insurance industry. This early experience gave me the confidence and resilience to transition into recruitment - first in Japan, with Robert Walters, where I spent over five years growing as a consultant in a dynamic and international environment.

Working in Japan was incredibly rewarding. I thrived in its high-paced, structured culture and built a strong foundation in recruitment, learning the value of discipline, precision, and client service. But over time, a quiet but persistent feeling began to grow in me—a longing to reconnect with my roots.

Though I wasn’t born in Vietnam, my cultural identity has always played a significant role in my life. I’ve dreamed of one day returning - not just to visit, but to live, work, and contribute meaningfully to the country. So, when the opportunity arose to join Robert Walters Vietnam, it felt like the perfect way to blend personal aspiration with professional ambition.

Relocating from Northeast Asia to Southeast Asia came with its own set of challenges, but also immense rewards. Vietnam’s recruitment landscape is fundamentally different - it’s deeply relationship-driven. I quickly realized that here, trust is everything. Success isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about building long-term, genuine partnerships with clients and candidates. This shift has helped me sharpen my interpersonal skills and take a more human-centric approach to my work.

Culturally, the move has been eye-opening. From squeezing into packed Tokyo trains to zipping through Saigon on a scooter, my day-to-day life has transformed.

Vietnam offers a different pace - still ambitious, but with a stronger emphasis on family, balance, and community. It’s been a refreshing and grounding experience. What has made this transition truly seamless, though, is the support from my colleagues. Joining a smaller office after working in one of the largest in our network could have felt isolating. But instead, I was welcomed with open arms. The local team has generously shared insights, encouraged me, and helped me grow into this new market.

This international move has reignited my drive. It’s not just a new chapter - it’s a chance to be part of something bigger: shaping the growth of our Vietnam office and stepping into a future leadership role. I’m genuinely excited about the road ahead.

To anyone contemplating an international move: go for it. The unknown can be intimidating, but what lies on the other side may change your life. It certainly changed mine.

And every day, I’m inspired by the sacrifices my parents made. I do this for them - to honor where I come from, and to give back in the best way I know how.

Robert Walters provides unparalleled learning and career progression opportunities. If like Danny, you want to thrive in a career in recruitment, then we'd love to hear from you. The opportunities are endless.