From Business Roots to Tech Bloom: The Inspiring Journey of Career Mentor’s Founder, Jayden
*Career Mentor has officially joined us as a sponsor for 2025. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting IT professionals and aspiring talents in their career development.
An Unconventional Path Sparks a Mission
In the dynamic realm of career advancement for Vietnamese professionals in Australia, Career Mentor distinguishes itself as more than just a training center; it’s a guiding light of support and direction. Established in 2020, and formerly known as Coding Mentor, the organization has successfully carved a niche in empowering individuals to excel in the high-demand fields of IT, Data, and Engineering. Leading this impactful endeavor is Jayden, the founder, whose own unique journey serves as the very foundation of Career Mentor’s mission.
Jayden’s professional trajectory was far from linear. After graduating with a Business degree from Vietnam’s esteemed Foreign Trade University, he gained valuable experience in the banking and FMCG sectors at ANZ and Nestle Waters (La Vie) before pursuing a Master of Business in Australia. It was during his postgraduate studies that a significant realization dawned. “I realized this degree might not align with my aspirations for settling down and building a career here at that moment,” Jayden recalls. This pivotal moment led to a courageous decision: a complete career shift into the realm of IT, where he dedicated himself to mastering Software Engineering.
It was during moments of quiet contemplation that the initial concept for Career Mentor began to take shape. “I thought about my own journey and realized that many others were facing similar uncertainties – not knowing what they truly wanted or grappling with the daunting prospect of pursuing IT,” he shares. “I knew I had to do something.”
Overcoming Early Hurdles and Solidifying Belief
The evolution from a community-centered initiative to a structured company presented its own set of challenges. “The initial phase is always the toughest,” Jayden acknowledges, “moving from a purely passion-driven community to a company that could serve and help more people.” Doubts and skepticism were part of the early landscape. “People questioned whether we could really deliver results, especially since we were pioneers in IT training and coaching for the Vietnamese community here,” he remembers. Despite these initial headwinds, Jayden and his committed team remained steadfast. “As someone who had walked this path, coupled with incredibly talented and enthusiastic colleagues, I had a strong initial belief. But when faced with numerous doubts, I did, at times, question myself a little.” The consistent success stories emanating from their early students became the most compelling validation of their quality and effectiveness. This experience solidified a crucial principle for Jayden: “You just need to believe in your goals, your abilities, and your dedication, and then proceed with unwavering confidence.” Over time, Career Mentor attracted more talented and like-minded individuals, laying the foundation for the sustainable growth they experience today.
The initial steps in building Career Mentor were not a solitary endeavor for Jayden. His vision began to take shape through serendipitous connections and shared passions. One pivotal relationship was with Tony, a fellow co-founder he first met during their student days while working at a Vietnamese restaurant. Even before Jayden’s own foray into IT, a bond formed over shared experiences. Later, as their career paths converged in the tech industry, this connection deepened, leading Tony to join Jayden in the early, “for fun” stages of Coding Mentor. Their initial collaboration was marked by a dynamic energy as they jointly led the first community classes and events. Another key figure was Nhan, whose connection with Jayden dates back to their university days. After gaining significant professional experience in Vietnam, Nhan eventually rejoined Jayden in Australia, bringing invaluable expertise to refine the burgeoning organization’s operations. The final piece of the early core team was Quan To, whose passion for the Engineering field resonated deeply with Jayden, leading to the expansion of Career Mentor’s focus and its subsequent name change. These early collaborations, built on shared experiences and complementary skills, were instrumental in laying the strong foundation upon which Career Mentor now stands.
The Career Mentor Difference: People, Pedagogy, and Network
In a market with numerous career guidance options, Jayden clearly articulates what distinguishes Career Mentor: “I think Career Mentor’s uniqueness stems from three key aspects: our people, our curriculum and support, and our network.”
The mentors at Career Mentor are more than just instructors; they are relatable guides who have navigated similar journeys. “They were international students, secured jobs, and built lives in Australia, or they successfully transitioned into tech from different fields,” Jayden explains. “So, we deeply understand what it takes to guide our students correctly and support them in landing their first job. When students choose us, they place immense trust in us, and we are committed to reciprocating that trust wholeheartedly.” The mentor team comprises accomplished professionals from leading Australian companies such as Google, Amazon, ANZ, Westpac, and Optus, bringing invaluable real-world industry insights to their teaching.
Career Mentor’s curriculum is meticulously designed for practical application and industry relevance. “Our curriculum is built with a focus on what businesses need and what skills are required on the job – no lengthy theories or unnecessary detours,” Jayden emphasizes. “So, the knowledge gained is directly applicable in the workplace.” Furthermore, Career Mentor offers a commitment that extends beyond the classroom. “We are committed to supporting our Intensive program students until they secure their first job. For us, our mission is only complete when they land that opportunity.”
The Career Mentor network provides an essential layer of support and opportunity. “We have a significant network, with a group of over 14,000 members where students can seek help,” Jayden highlights. Industry professionals and successful alumni frequently share job openings within this community, fostering a supportive ecosystem for Career Mentor’s students.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Broader Impact and Lasting Success
Looking to the future, Jayden envisions Career Mentor expanding its reach and impact, not only in career development but also in providing broader life guidance for young Vietnamese professionals in Australia. The ultimate measure of success for Career Mentor remains the achievements of its students. Jayden’s core advice to those navigating the Australian job market encapsulates his philosophy: “We don’t make right decisions, we take decisions and make them right.” This belief in the power of commitment and perseverance underscores the very essence of Career Mentor’s mission: to empower individuals to take confident steps towards their aspirations and transform their choices into successful realities. The collaborative spirit and shared journey of the founding team further solidify Career Mentor’s commitment to supporting their students every step of the way.
In essence, the story of Jayden and the evolution of Career Mentor is a testament to the power of personal experience driving impactful change. From navigating his own challenging career pivot to building a thriving center dedicated to empowering others, Jayden’s journey embodies the very spirit of resilience and guidance that Career Mentor instills in its students. More than just a training center, Career Mentor, under Jayden’s passionate leadership, stands as a vital bridge, connecting ambition with opportunity and fostering a community where Vietnamese professionals in Australia can confidently forge their own paths to success.
