The "Sustainable Career Orientation 5.0 - Empowering Tomorrow" program is a series of live talks on education and careers organized by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH). Comprising five episodes, the program was broadcast on UEH and VnExpress media channels, featuring experts in career counseling, education, recruitment, and business leadership.

To define sustainable career orientation, the five-episode program explored three key areas: understanding oneself, understanding the profession, and understanding the world. Experts emphasized that comprehending and grasping global trends are fundamental for students to build a sustainable career path in the 5.0 era.

Understanding one's passions and strengths

In the initial episodes, speakers focused on "understanding oneself," a vital first step before choosing a major or future career. According to educational content creator Truong Ky Tong, many students currently face pressure to select a career early without sufficient experience to understand their strengths, personality, or values.

Instead of pursuing trending fields or choosing based on others' expectations, young people are encouraged to observe themselves through practical experiences, extracurricular activities, or personal projects. Experts suggest that self-understanding is not a fixed answer but an ongoing journey of discovery and adjustment.

Building on the foundation of "understanding oneself," the program expanded to "understanding the profession" amid rapid job changes driven by technology and AI. According to Associate Professor Doctor Trinh Thuy Anh, the future labor market will no longer prioritize individuals solely proficient in one fixed professional skill but will require those capable of continuous learning and adapting to various environments.

Runner-up Khanh Nhu (right) and Associate Professor Doctor Trinh Thuy Anh (left) during the discussion. *Photo: UEH*

She emphasized that future careers are no longer "once-in-a-lifetime" choices. Young people may change jobs, fields, or roles multiple times throughout their careers. Therefore, instead of overly worrying about choosing the "right profession," students should focus on building core competencies such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork, self-learning, and a proactive attitude towards change.

Adapting to a global mindset

A recurring message throughout the program was adaptability. According to Phan Bich Tam, country director of MMA Global in Myanmar, Vietnam, and Cambodia, in the 5.0 era, young people compete not only with knowledge but also with the speed at which they learn new things and their ability to step out of their comfort zones.

Phan Bich Tam (left) and first runner-up Miss World Vietnam 2025 Le Phuong Khanh Nhu (right) during the program. *Photo: UEH*

This spirit was further explored in the final episode of the talk show series, titled "University 5.0 - The path from university student to global citizen." Doctor Ngo Cong Khanh, deputy head of the Business Talent Faculty at UEH.ISB Talent School, stated that "going global" is no longer restricted by geographical distance. Students can access international learning environments directly in Vietnam through English-language training programs, transnational projects, or student exchange activities.

Doctor Ngo Cong Khanh (left), deputy head of the Business Talent Faculty at UEH.ISB Talent School, and first runner-up Miss World Vietnam 2025 Le Phuong Khanh Nhu (right) during the program. *Photo: UEH*

According to him, the key lies not only in foreign language proficiency but also in a "global mindset" and the ability to integrate multiculturally. Students must learn to proactively connect, adapt to cultural differences, and be ready to change to thrive in an international environment.

Experts also noted that the current young generation faces numerous opportunities as Vietnam deepens its global integration and multinational companies expand operations domestically. However, these opportunities are only available to those who are well-prepared and ready.

In addition to professional competence, businesses increasingly value teamwork, professional conduct, a proactive spirit, and alignment with organizational culture. Experts believe these factors should be cultivated early through academic environments, extracurricular activities, or practical internship experiences.

Concluding its five-episode run, the "Sustainable Career Orientation 5.0 - Empowering Tomorrow" live talk series did not offer a fixed career formula for young people. Instead, the program emphasized that in a constantly changing world, the most crucial elements are self-understanding, a spirit of continuous learning, and readiness to adapt to find one's suitable path.

By Thy An