Winter break is an ideal time to look back on the past year, strengthen professional relationships, and position yourself for the year ahead, especially as an international professional navigating work visas, cultural expectations, and career growth in the US.
1. Look Back on the Year (With Intention, Not Self-Criticism)
Instead of asking “Did I do enough?”, focus on evidence-based reflection.
Ask yourself:
What projects did I contribute to that had measurable impact?
What skills did I improve or newly acquire?
Where did I step outside my comfort zone (presenting, leading, pushing back)?
👉 Tip for Vietnamese professionals:
US managers value visible impact. If you didn’t document it, it didn’t happen, so write it down now.
2. Turn Your Work Into US-Style Career Assets
Do this during winter break:
Write 3–5 accomplishment bullets using this format:
Action + Skill + Business Impact
Example:
Led data validation for quarterly reports, reducing errors by 18% and improving stakeholder trust.
These bullets can later be used for:
Resume updates
Performance reviews
Visa documentation
Interview stories
3. Send Strategic Year-End Catch-Up Emails 📧
In US culture, reaching out = professionalism, not inconvenience.
Who to email:
Former managers or mentors
Teammates from previous projects
People who referred or supported you
Sample Catch-Up Email (Professional & Warm)
Subject: Quick Year-End Catch-Up
Hi [Name],
I hope you’re having a great holiday season. As the year comes to a close, I wanted to reach out and thank you again for your support earlier this year.
I’ve learned a lot since then and would love to catch up when you have time in the new year.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season,
[Your Name]
4. Network Without Feeling “Salesy” 🤝
Networking in the US is about relationships, not asking for favors.
Simple, effective networking message:
Hi [Name],
I came across your background and really enjoyed learning about your career path. As a fellow Vietnamese professional working in the US, I’d love to connect and learn from your experience when you have time.
👉 Shared identity (alumni, Vietnamese community, international background) is a strong and acceptable connection point.
5. Prepare Quietly for Career Moves (Even If You’re Not Job Hunting)
Many international professionals wait too long due to visa concerns. Preparation ≠ quitting.
During winter break:
Update resume (even if you don’t apply)
Review common behavioral interview questions
Prepare a clear explanation of your work authorization status
Example (confident & concise):
I’m currently on H-1B and authorized to work full-time in the US I’m open to discussing sponsorship timelines if needed.
6. Strengthen One Skill That Increases Mobility 💻
Choose one high-impact skill, not many:
Technical (SQL, Python, system design, cloud)
Communication (presenting, stakeholder updates)
Leadership (mentoring, owning a small initiative)
Then:
Apply it to one real project
Write one strong resume bullet from it
7. Set a Simple Career Intention for the New Year 🗓️
Instead of vague goals, define one clear direction.
Examples:
“Become promotion-ready by Q3”
“Move toward a role with stronger technical ownership”
“Build visibility beyond my immediate team”
Write it down. Revisit it monthly.
8. Take Care of Your Energy (This Is a Career Strategy)
As a foreign professional, burnout often comes from:
Overperforming to “prove” yourself
Hesitating to ask for help
Carrying visa-related anxiety silently
Rest is not a weakness, it’s career maintenance.
Final Thought 💡
Your international background is not a disadvantage, it’s a professional asset when paired with clarity, preparation, and confidence.
