Associate Professor Doctor Nguyen Huu Cuong, President of Phuong Dong University, made this observation at the career and major exploration festival, Future Fest, on 24/4.

Ministry of Education and Training regulations state that universities cannot increase enrollment quotas if more than 15% of first-year students drop out. Cuong noted this figure is significant.

Data from Van Lang Education Group, compiled from national and international studies, indicates that around 50% of students find their initial major unsuitable, with 15% wanting to switch in their first year.

"This represents a significant waste of both time and money," Cuong stated.

Cuong attributed wrong major choices to inadequate career guidance, a lack of understanding of professions, and decisions based on limited information. He highlighted that many students select majors primarily to satisfy parental wishes.

He cited an example of a student whose family, all accountants, strongly desired their child to pursue accounting. However, the student discovered a preference for language studies. Forcing themselves to continue could lead to poor grades or even failure to graduate.

Doctor Dang Thi Ngoc Dung of the Karolinska Institute, Sweden, who has 40 years of experience in medicine, including extensive teaching at Hanoi Medical University, noted a similar issue.

While no official surveys exist from medical schools regarding student major choices, Dung noted that many families push their children into medicine because it is perceived as "a prestigious profession that no one in the family has pursued."

Dung recalled a student she supervised who failed a subject three times and, by their fifth year, had five outstanding major courses. The student confessed, tearfully, a desire to be a writer, not a doctor, but felt immense parental pressure to stay in medicine. This pressure prevented a transfer, leading to physical and mental exhaustion.

"Their youthful years, which should have been happy, were instead spent in misery and struggle with a major that wasn't for them," Dung reflected.

She urged parents to act as "angel investors" in their children's futures, fostering trust and providing information, and engaging with them to explore desired professions, rather than imposing their own aspirations.

Associate Professor Doctor Nguyen Huu Cuong, President of Phuong Dong University. Photo: Duong Tam

Dang Thi Ngoc Dung spoke about choosing a medical major at the Future Fest event. Photo: Duong Tam

Cuong advised students to thoroughly research professions beyond just university websites.

At Future Fest, students heard from industry experts, interacted with robots and construction models, and even tried learning a language. Similar activities at other institutions offer students a clearer understanding of potential careers.

Nguyen Thi Lien, Director of Strategy and Transformation at Viindoo Technology Joint Stock Company, further advised students to consult career platforms and forums for job descriptions, recruitment requirements, and salary expectations, rather than making emotional choices or solely relying on parental advice.

If a wrong choice is made, Cuong encouraged students to change majors early and seek support from lecturers and family to find a suitable path.

Lien concurred, emphasizing the importance of daring to try, committing fully, and developing adaptability. If a major proves unsuitable, students should feel empowered to switch.

Duong Tam