The Top 5 Underrated Degrees: Easy Job Hunt, Great Prospects, and Attractive Salaries

While belonging to the healthcare sector, the Veterinary Medicine field receives less attention compared to other fields in the industry.

This field trains veterinarians to specialize in caring for and treating pets. Students will learn professional skills in veterinary medicine, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases, as well as experimental techniques for pets. They will also gain knowledge in using various drugs, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines to prevent diseases in animals.

Online job boards frequently advertise hundreds of job openings for veterinarians, offering attractive salaries and benefits ranging from 8 to 20 million VND per month. Foreign companies in Japan, the US, Australia, and Israel are even willing to pay up to 30 to 35 million VND per month. However, the supply of veterinarians is still unable to meet the demand.

In Vietnam, several universities offer Veterinary Medicine programs, including the University of Forestry, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Hung Vuong University, and several other universities and colleges.

2. Plant Protection

Plant Protection is a field of study that focuses on soil, habitats, cultivation techniques, and crop care, with an emphasis on knowledge of crop pests and diseases, as well as prevention and control measures. The goal is to improve farmers’ incomes, produce sustainable crops, and maintain ecological balance.

Given the current state of Vietnamese agriculture, which includes the uncontrolled and excessive use of pesticides, the Plant Protection field plays a crucial role in establishing a clean and sustainable agricultural industry.

This field of study is often overlooked by young people due to the misconception that agriculture is a difficult and low-paying profession. However, in recent years, there has been a shortage of graduates in this field. According to statistics from the Plant Protection magazine, there is a shortage of Plant Protection specialists, indicating a gap in the workforce. As a result, graduates in this field have a wide range of job opportunities and can work in various positions.

Several universities offer programs in Plant Protection, including the University of Forestry, the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Bac Giang University of Agriculture and Forestry, the University of Forestry in Dong Nai province, Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry, and Can Tho University.

3. Horticulture and Landscape Technology

With the advancements in modern society, there is an increasing demand for high-quality ornamental plants and landscapes. As a result, the field of Horticulture and Landscape Technology (or Landscape and Horticulture Technology) is gaining importance and requires a skilled workforce.

Mr. Bui Minh Lam, director of a company specializing in agricultural and forestry products, shared that young people often lack understanding about the field of Horticulture and Landscape Technology. Many are unsure of their career goals, while others are reluctant to pursue agricultural fields due to the perception of hard work and low pay. This further contributes to the challenge of ensuring a sufficient workforce in this sector.

This field of study, which falls under agriculture, provides comprehensive knowledge and skills in landscape and environmental horticulture, as well as the application of biotechnology in the research and production of high-value ornamental plants and flowers.

Graduates in Horticulture and Landscape Technology can select, breed, care for, and maintain green plants and flowers, as well as design landscapes to create aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces. This field offers a diverse range of career opportunities, especially in entrepreneurship in the fields of ornamental plants and interior and exterior landscape design.

4. Arabic Language

Arabic Language is a less popular choice among young people, but with the trend of globalization and the saturation of the job market for English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese language speakers, Arabic has become a “rare and unique” major that gives young people a competitive edge in the job market and increases their chances of obtaining scholarships for overseas study.

According to a 2022 employment survey conducted by the University of Foreign Languages – Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 100% of Arabic Language graduates found employment. In 2021, this figure was 98.26%, with over 67% working in their major field and 30% in related fields.

Additionally, according to the 2024 enrollment proposal of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, 92.31% of graduates in Oriental Studies found employment after graduation.

Arabic language graduates can expect a starting salary ranging from 400 to 700 USD per month (approximately 10 to nearly 18 million VND). Management-level positions can command salaries of up to 1,000 USD per month (approximately 25.4 million VND).

5. Occupational Safety

Occupational Safety is a field that anticipates future trends in the globalized economy. It not only offers promising career prospects and high applicability but also the potential for attractive salaries. This field has gained special attention since Vietnam officially joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), yet it remains an under-pursued area of study.

According to a survey and statistics released in December 2023, the average salary for a Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Specialist position is between 1,200 and 2,000 USD per month (approximately 30 to 50 million VND per month).

Occupational Safety is a field dedicated to ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of workers in their work environment, based on the definition of obligations and rights between employers and employees.

Mr. Tran Quang Hung, safety director at a creative technology company in Vietnam, shared with the media: “Many companies and businesses need at least one person in charge of occupational safety and hygiene. A qualified occupational safety engineer can work as a safety manager in various fields, including factories, construction sites, offices, and brands. With the knowledge gained from their studies, they can also take on roles in quality management, process engineering, and sustainable development within an organization. Therefore, this is a promising and important field of study.”