According to NACE’s Job Outlook 2026 survey, nearly 70% of employers now use skills-based hiring practices, prioritizing candidates with relevant, real-world experience rather than relying solely on academic qualifications or grades.
In just six months, the percentage of entry-level job postings that mention AI skills increased from 10.5% to 16.5%. Meanwhile, 28% of employers reported that they are seeking early-career candidates who can use AI effectively in the workplace.
Beyond changing recruitment criteria, the U.S. labor market has recently seen a series of developments that could directly affect international students’ career prospects. One example is the proposed fee of more than USD 100,000 for certain H-1B petitions, which has raised significant questions about international students’ opportunities to remain and work in the United States, as well as whether employers will continue sponsoring their visas after graduation.
Amid these changes, what can students do to stay proactive, strengthen their competitive edge, and take ownership of the “new rules” of the U.S. job market?
These questions will be explored in the webinar “The New Rules of the U.S. Job Market: How to Stay Ahead,” the second episode of the Journey Across America series, jointly organized by VPS and APUS Education.
👥 Joining the webinar are two guest speakers with extensive hands-on experience in recruiting and building high-performing teams at major U.S. corporations:
Ms. Sophia Van, Director of AI Development at The Home Depot, where she directly recruits and leads teams of AI and Machine Learning engineers. Previously, she led AI transformation initiatives at Disney and Mercer and served as a guest lecturer at Kellogg and Fuqua, two of the leading business schools in the United States.
Mr. Dio Phung, AI Platform Architecture & Engineering Leader at SAP Labs. With more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry, he has held technical leadership positions at AWS, DocuSign, and Tesla, co-founded two startups, and supported many young Vietnamese professionals through the VNPN network.
Drawing on their firsthand experience in reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and making hiring decisions, the two speakers will examine the real-world changes taking place in the job market, the qualiti
Event Information
Webinar: The New Rules of the U.S. Job Market: How to Stay Ahead?
Series: American Journey (Presented by VPS and APUS)
Date & Time: Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 9:00 PM Vietnam Time
Format: Online via Zoom
VPS and APUS warmly invite students, parents, educators, and young professionals to join this conversation and gain practical insights into adapting to the evolving U.S. job market, strengthening their competitive edge, and building sustainable careers in the United States.
REGISTRATION LINK: https://apusvietnam.com/webinars/
