Career guidance for students at the end of secondary school?

There are two ways adults can guide students in their careers: by allowing them to experience and engage with the real-world aspects of various professions. Professor Chau advises parents to let their children join many clubs. The second way is to let children interact with talented and passionate professionals to inspire them. Additionally, adults need to have dialogues with children to express their viewpoints and understand the children’s thoughts. “When choosing a career, children might not be realistic due to influences from media and movies. Parents and children should have discussions to determine the most suitable path,” Professor Chau said.

Sharing his own career orientation story, the mathematician mentioned that when he was a student at Trung Vuong Secondary School (Hanoi), he was given the option of two vocational training programs: bicycle repair and hairdressing. Not liking to deal with grease, he chose hairdressing. Male students at Trung Vuong, with a shared interest, created a new hairstyle for a member of their group. The result was a haircut with no hair. Ngo Bao Chau realized that creativity in hairstyling was not his talent. He later discovered his passion for mathematics.

Professor Chau believes that career orientation should begin from the end of secondary school to the beginning of high school. By the middle of high school, alongside studying and exams, students can be interested in exploring their desired careers. This timeline is relatively significant, but real-world experiences will provide the most accurate answers regarding which career is truly suitable for each individual. While studying mathematics in France, he also tried his hand in the field of information technology. This experience helped him realize that mathematics was his true calling, which he has pursued ever since.

When choosing a career, in addition to looking at successful examples and the positive aspects of the job, students should also consider the negative sides of the profession. Associate Professor of Medicine Nguyen Lan Hieu noted that the downside of the medical profession is that your time belongs to others. Even during the workshop, he had to leave early due to an emergency case. Professor Ngo Bao Chau shared that “those who work in mathematics often have to accompany loneliness.” When working on mathematics, he seldom talked to others and did not answer emails.

A parent’s question about whether parents should choose a career for their child sparked a lively debate among the speakers. Architect Doan Ky Thanh argued that the family is a launch pad. If parents do not participate in their child’s career orientation, it means wasting a valuable resource. Architect Hoang Thuc Hao also affirmed that it is necessary for parents to help their children choose a career. If the choice turns out to be wrong, they will still gain valuable experiences and firmly recognize that this is not the right career for them before finding a new direction. Architect Hao’s choice of becoming an architect was also influenced by his father, who worked in interior design.

Contrary to this view, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Nam believes that children should be free to choose their careers. “Parents choosing a future career for their children based on their current knowledge and understanding is a mistake. In my family, the children are free to choose their careers. That choice may be wrong, but it does not matter. Parents still stand by to support and encourage them to find a new direction,” Dr. Nam said. He believes that career orientation from books is not reliable. The best way to guide children in their careers is to give them real-world experiences.

THE ROLE OF CAREER ORIENTATION AT VSCHOOL

VSchool not only aims to provide academic knowledge but also places great emphasis on the role of career orientation in the educational process. This is to proactively support students in building their career dreams and developing the necessary skills for future success.

The career orientation system at VSchool is designed to help students understand their interests, and personal skills, and find the right career path. Career counseling sessions, lectures on career choices, and practical internships at local businesses are key components of this program.

The school also provides opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities related to specific professions, giving them a clear perspective and real-world experience before making career decisions. Events with famous people, business forums, and personal skill development courses are also important parts of the career orientation program.

By focusing on career orientation, VSchool helps students gain not only academic knowledge but also build a solid foundation for future success and happiness in their careers. This reflects the school’s commitment to supporting students in developing comprehensively and confidently stepping into the world of work.

At VSchool, career orientation becomes more accessible and clearer than ever – VSchool, where future career dreams take flight.

For more information about Vschool’s curriculum and teaching methods, parents can visit the school at:

• Address: No. 1, Street No. 1, An Lac A Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Phone number: 0976 898 726
• Website:  https://vschoolsg.vn/