Economics graduates face a robust job market with high demand from businesses, according to recent reports and industry leaders. Starting salaries for these positions can reach up to 20 million VND per month, with experienced professionals earning even more.

This strong demand was evident at the Career and Job Fair held at Thuong Mai University on 22/4. Nguyen Viet Trung, Chief Executive Officer of Phu Thai Group, which employs 5,000 staff, announced plans to recruit 200 new employees this year, primarily for sales, business, and marketing positions. Trung stated that the starting salary for new economics graduates at Phu Thai Group is around 16 million VND, with potential earnings of 20-30 million VND after three to five years of experience. A representative from a private bank also revealed plans to hire 2,500 personnel for retail and teller roles, remarking, "Generally, economics students don't worry about job shortages."

A 2026 salary and human resources market report by JobOKO, an online recruitment and job-seeking platform, reinforces this optimistic outlook. The report indicates that 89% of over 1,200 surveyed businesses plan to recruit more staff this year, with nearly 80% intending to hire the same number or more than the previous year. The report highlighted "expanding personnel demand as a major trend," with most vacancies concentrated in business and sales (60,35%), marketing (28,5%), and production (28%). Average starting salaries for new economics graduates in fields like marketing and business-sales range from 9-15 million VND.

Associate Professor Dr. Phan Dinh Quyet, Director of the Enterprise Relations and Employment Center at Thuong Mai University, noted that the average monthly income for the university's fresh graduates is 7-10 million VND, increasing to 15-20 million VND after three to five years of experience. Graduates from popular majors such as e-commerce, logistics, digital marketing, and data analytics can earn 20 million VND upon graduation. Some entrepreneurial graduates can even achieve over 100 million VND per month.

Thuong Mai University students at the Career and Job Fair, morning of 22/4. Photo: Thanh Hang

Despite the abundant job opportunities, recruiters caution that the application process is not easy. Nguyen Thi Hang, Recruitment Team Lead at Onschool Edtech Group, emphasized that "freshers" (a term for recent graduates) need strong communication skills, particularly for consulting and marketing roles. "For example, candidates with speech impediments will certainly be eliminated from consulting positions," Hang stated.

Nguyen Viet Trung further advised that beyond specialized knowledge, businesses expect new graduates to possess practical experience, critical thinking, and an eagerness to learn. Experts recommend that students leverage internships and club activities to enhance their soft skills, preventing "blank CVs" when applying for jobs.

Responding to industry demands, Dr. Phan Dinh Quyet mentioned that Thuong Mai University has boosted advanced programs, dual degrees, and international career orientation (IPOP). Students in these programs undertake internships from their second year to gain practical experience. Additionally, 30% of subjects are taught in English to improve students' language proficiency and access international job opportunities.

Mai Huyen Trang, a third-year marketing student attending the event, sought information on company needs, requirements, and salary levels. She recognized the importance of supplementing her foundational knowledge to improve her chances of being hired.

Business and management currently represent the most popular group of majors. According to the Ministry of Education and Training, out of over 681,000 students enrolled in universities in 2025, more than 146,000 chose this group of majors, meaning one in every five candidates selected it.