English-Majored Students’ Perceptions of Business English Speaking for Future Employment: A Case Study at Ho Chi Minh University of Banking

Abstract

Both English language proficiency and business communication skills are increasingly valued in many countries, and Vietnam is no exception. While some universities focus primarily on general English instruction, business-specialized institutions offer EFL programs that integrate foundational business knowledge alongside English language learning. This study investigated how English-majored students perceived the importance of Business English speaking for their future employment. Twelve third-year students participated in semi-structured interviews, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The research applies a qualitative method with thematic analysis.  The findings indicated that all participants recognized Business English speaking as an essential skill for their professional futures. Participants also offered practical suggestions for improving Business English instruction, particularly through activities that simulate real workplace communication.