University entrance exam day has arrived, and many families are already discussing which universities their children should attend, even if they haven’t taken the exams yet. They are determined to send their children to university, believing it will help them secure better jobs in the future.
On the other hand, some people argue that if a university degree doesn’t guarantee a job, then why waste time and money on it? They suggest learning a trade or skill that can provide a faster route to earning money. Why do they hold this view?
1 The alarming rise in unemployment among university graduates
There are valid reasons why some people choose not to put their faith in a university degree.
According to a 2020 survey by the Center for Training Support and Supply of Human Resources, under the Ministry of Education and Training, 9.1% of university graduates are currently unemployed. This worrying statistic has caused concern among students, who wonder if they will find employment after graduation and if their field of study will increase their chances of getting a job.
The alarming rise in unemployment among university graduates
2 Why are so many graduates unemployed?
Why do many university graduates struggle to find employment when a degree is supposed to enhance their job prospects?
Subpar education quality
Currently, many universities engage in indiscriminate enrollment practices, resulting in low-quality graduates who fail to meet the expectations of employers. This has contributed to the rising unemployment rate among graduates.
For instance, some universities that are not specialized in social sciences hastily open social science-related departments to attract more students, compromising the quality of education in these fields.
Subpar education quality contributes to the high unemployment rate among university graduates
Student passivity and missed opportunities
Some students mistakenly believe that simply enrolling in a good university will guarantee them a good job. They forget that university is just one aspect, and personal initiative and hard work are equally important.
A lack of proactivity, such as not participating in internships or developing essential skills like teamwork, communication, and foreign languages, can make students appear passive to potential employers, causing them to miss out on job opportunities.
Statistics show that unrealistic expectations, refusal to accept low-paying jobs, preference for light work, reluctance to relocate, and a lack of soft skills and English proficiency are the most common reasons why many graduates struggle to find employment.
Choosing the wrong major
Many students enter university without a passion for their chosen field, leading to demotivation, lack of commitment, and frequent absences.
This can be attributed to a lack of career guidance, following the advice of others or their family’s wishes, choosing a major that is “in demand,” or hoping to land a “hot” job in the future. Consequently, their studies suffer, they lose motivation, and some merely go through the motions to obtain a degree.
3 So, should one pursue a university degree?
While individuals may have their reasons for deciding whether or not to attend university, one cannot deny that university remains an environment worth considering for anyone. Here’s why:
University education is still valued by many employers, as evidenced by the attention given to students even before they graduate.
The quality of university education is constantly evolving, improving, and keeping pace with the latest advancements. Universities regularly update their curricula with new and improved textbooks from both domestic and foreign sources.
Additionally, universities offer practical training and career guidance sessions, providing students with numerous opportunities to develop their skills and gain real-world experience in their desired fields. These events also create chances for students to connect with their dream employers, giving them added motivation to excel.
Several successful individuals have emerged from university backgrounds, including:
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Billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, Chairman of the Vingroup conglomerate, is considered Vietnam’s first US dollar billionaire. His outstanding academic performance earned him a scholarship to study in Moscow, Russia, at the University of Mining and Geology, where he majored in economic geology.
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Billionaire Tran Ba Duong, Chairman of the Truong Hai Auto Corporation (THACO) and CEO of Dai Quang Minh Real Estate Investment Company, holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.
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Shark Pham Thanh Hung – Vice Chairman of CEN GROUP Joint Stock Company and Chairman of CEN INVEST Real Estate Investment and Development Company – graduated from Hanoi University of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering and a master’s degree in business administration from the Asian Institute of Technology.
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Mark Zuckerberg co-founded the social media platform Facebook while studying at Harvard University in 2004. At 34, Zuckerberg has a net worth of $64.7 billion, according to Bloomberg, and he leads the world’s largest social media platform with over 2 billion users.
4 Can you get a job without a university degree?
While a university degree can provide an advantage when job hunting, many industries and companies today do not require a degree. However, you may have to start with a lower salary.
You can enhance your employability by enrolling in vocational training courses in your field of interest. This will be a valuable addition to your resume.
It is possible to find employment without a university degree
In conclusion, despite the challenges, a university education remains a valuable stepping stone for talented individuals. By continuously improving your skills, addressing weaknesses, and leveraging your strengths, you can achieve success regardless of your educational background.
This article is based on information gathered from various sources and reflects the author’s personal perspective.
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