This study explores the practice of recruiting former tertiary students as official staff in higher education institutions within the context of Vietnam. Using a qualitative research design underpinned by the grounded theory approach, semi-structured and focus-group interviews were conducted with fifteen staff members from three different groups (five leaders, five supporting staff,  and  five  academic  staff).  Thematic  analysis  revealed  several  benefits  and  challenges  associated  with  this  recruitment practice. Benefits included the promotion of institutional culture and continuity, nurturing future leadership, addressing local skill gaps, and reinforcing local identity and values. Challenges included the risk of groupthink, inbred intellectual culture, and diversity and inclusion issues. The study provides a nuanced understanding of this recruitment practice, offering practical implications for higher education institutions, policymakers, and researchers. The findings also shed light on potential directions for future research.