University door – the only entrance to success?

Career counseling for students at a high school in Da Nang city.

Mr. Tran Van T., an auto mechanic in Thanh Khe district, is a typical example. After graduating from high school, he did not go to university but decided to go to a vocational school to learn auto repair. Thanks to his passion and efforts to improve his skills, he gradually affirmed his skills, opened a reputable auto repair shop, and created jobs for many others. For him, honesty, dedication, and solid skills are the core elements of success, more important than any degree.

Many young people in Da Nang have also succeeded in opening creative cafes, becoming yoga instructors, dance teachers, or self-studying graphic design, online marketing, etc. They all have one thing in common: daring to choose a path that suits their passion and abilities, while also seizing the opportunities that this dynamic city offers.

The “key” to success, therefore, does not lie in choosing which path is considered “higher”, but in the compatibility between personal abilities and interests with the needs and development opportunities of Da Nang. Each child of this coastal city possesses different strengths, personalities and living conditions.

University may be the optimal choice for some people, helping them develop expertise in a specific field. However, learning a trade, starting a business in the service industry, tourism, information technology, or entering the workforce early to gain practical experience are wise decisions for many others, especially when Da Nang is focusing on developing these key economic sectors and creating many diverse job opportunities.

The story of Nguyen TH, a 12th grader, shows the change in the perception of young people. Instead of forcing himself to pursue a university major he doesn’t like, he chose to study culinary arts to pursue his passion for cuisine and seize job opportunities in the growing restaurant and hotel industry in Da Nang.

However, the biggest obstacle is still social prejudice. Many parents still hold the idea that “having a university degree is the only way to be proud”, causing many children to have to retake the exam many times, missing out on opportunities to develop according to their strengths. However, a new way of thinking is taking shape: more and more parents are supporting their children to choose a more suitable path.

In the context of Da Nang affirming its role as the economic, cultural and tourist center of the Central region, schools and teachers also need to change the way they accompany students. Instead of just focusing on university entrance exam preparation, it is necessary to provide comprehensive career orientation, helping students clearly identify themselves, grasp the career trends of the city to choose the right path. This not only helps students find the right educational path but also opens up practical career opportunities, meeting the needs of the current labor market.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Tuoi, lecturer at the Central College of Transport V, who has many years of experience in advising on admissions and career education for students, career counseling from grades 9 and 12 is extremely important. This is an opportunity to help students understand their own abilities, thereby choosing the appropriate major, school and training form, in order to meet the actual needs of the labor market and society.

What needs to be clearly stated is: success is not measured by a university degree, but by the real value that each person creates for themselves and the community. A person may not have a high degree, but if they are skilled, have good ethics, contribute to the city's key economic sectors and live their passion, they are still successful.

Da Nang is striving to become a smart, modern and livable city. To realize that, it needs the contribution of passionate and dedicated people, regardless of the path they follow. The most important thing is that each young person dares to be true to themselves, courageously chooses their own path and strives to the end, contributing to building an increasingly civilized and sustainably developed Da Nang.

NGUYEN NHIEN - H. TRUNG

Source: https://baodanang.vn/xa-hoi/202505/canh-cua-dai-hoc-loi-vao-duy-nhat-cua-thanh-cong-4006918/