VietNamNet Bridge – Most students graduating from high school want to continue studying at university instead of going to work or studying at vocational school.

Of every 10 polled students, eight said they wanted to continue studying at university and college, while less than one said they would learn at vocational school

Students don’t want to stop learning

It is curious that universities and junior colleges can receive only 3/10 of students, while vocational schools, which most students turn their backs on, are virtually begging students to enroll, with few requirements of any kind.

The survey has shown a worrying trend: The majority of students (69.6%) want to continue studying at higher levels after graduation. The rate of students who choose to go working after graduating from junior college is very low; most want to transfer credits to study at university.

Dr Nguyen Kim Dung from the Education Research Institute said that this shows the hesitancy of students to enter the workforce and begin their adult lives.

This also reflects the misconception of many people that all employers prefer staffs with high degrees and that only universities provide knowledge necessary for life. Dr Hung said that researchers have said that 75% of the knowledge necessary for one’s life comes from experience and work.

Hung also says that this trend of pursuing higher education has led to wastes of time and money for students, themselves, their families, and society.

Theory only

Most students (83.5%) believe that they need to learn subjects well to prepare for their futures. Meanwhile, they do not pay attention to skills necessary for life, including the ability to work independently and developing leadership skills.

When asked about the driving force for learning, 94% of students said that they needed to learn hard in order to get a wide range of knowledge, the aim of which is ambiguous. Meanwhile, surveyors have concluded that while knowledge is necessary, it cannot alone bring about good jobs, wealth or preeminent positions.

They also say that with students focusing on getting knowledge, it is understandable why curricula are still primarily theoretical more than practical.

Lacking practice

Surveyors say that the existing problems in career consultancy have been hindering students from becoming responsible, self-sufficient.

They say that the career consultancy at many universities and junior colleges remains unprofessional, which explains why students lack information to make decisions about future careers.

The surveyors have suggested some measures to improve the current situation of career education. They have suggested organising seminars, where students and consultants can discuss issues related to choosing jobs, setting up websites, where students can join in forums and share experiences.

(Source: NLD)