Xin chao! Started the day off with the typical bowl of pho for breakfast. Coherent Corp is a global technology company that makes high-tech materials, lasers, and components used in communication networks, electronics, and manufacturing. Originally known as II-VI Incorporated, the company changed its name after acquiring another laser company called Coherent in 2022. Coherent’s products help power the internet, smartphones, self-driving cars, factories, and medical devices. They develop things like lasers for cutting and medical tools, optical parts that speed up the internet, and special materials used in electric vehicles and sensors. With operations in over 20 countries, including large manufacturing sites in Vietnam, Coherent plays a key role in advancing modern technology around the world. One thing I really liked about the work environment at Coherent is the way they treat their employees. As we walked to one of the facilities, I spoke to Thomas who oversees the hiring process at Coherent and he told me a bit about how Coherent approaches it. He told me that Coherent has a very rigorous hiring process. However, it’s all for good reason because once they’re hired, Coherent makes sure they’re taken care of at work.

After the company visit, I had a great time watching and playing soccer with the UEF students. Overall, it was a fun day!