Career guidance: When is it too early to start?

In many Vietnamese families, career guidance discussions often only begin when children enter middle school, or even high school. This is the stage where students start choosing subjects, considering career paths, and preparing for important exams.

A painting class at an international high school - Photo: HAI KIM

However, according to many education experts, career guidance should not begin too late, but should be formed early on, through experiences that help children understand the world around them and themselves.

Career guidance is not about choosing a profession early.

A common misconception is that career guidance is synonymous with "choosing a profession early in life." In reality, in early childhood, career guidance is not aimed at making decisions, but rather at exposing children to a variety of different possibilities.

While strolling around the school where I work (European International School of Ho Chi Minh City - EIS), I occasionally get asked by kindergarten children: "What does this teacher do, always walking around the school?"

It may sound funny, but clearly, the students observe and realize that everyone has a different role in society. This is the initial basis for career guidance.

The career guidance journey for students begins very early. The important thing isn't choosing a profession, but understanding that there are many opportunities for the future. These simple experiences help children form their initial awareness naturally, without pressure.

As they get older, career guidance is implemented in a more in-depth way, tailored to each age group. In primary school, students are encouraged to pursue their interests. For example, at the end of primary school, they undertake individual projects, choosing a favorite topic to research and proposing specific actions.

This approach helps children not only discover what they like, but also gain a better understanding of their abilities and interests. The key isn't getting the answers early, but having the opportunity to explore broadly and deeply enough.

Besides methodology, the learning environment plays a crucial role in career orientation. The school where I work has a multicultural environment with students from over 46 nationalities, which helps students develop open-mindedness, adaptability, and communication skills – all essential elements in any field they pursue later in life.

Community is a core part of education. When students are connected to each other, to their teachers, and to their surroundings, they not only learn better but also gain a deeper understanding of themselves. These interactions help them gradually discover who they are and who they want to become in the wider world .

Career guidance is a long journey.

Jo Roberts - Co-Principal of EIS

Upon entering high school, students begin making more specific choices about subjects and future career paths. However, according to this approach, this is not the starting point, but rather the next step in a journey that has been prepared in advance.

Early experiences help students understand themselves better, leading to more appropriate choices as they grow older.

In a rapidly changing landscape across many industries, the key is not to choose the right profession from the start, but to build the capacity for continuous adaptation and learning.

In reality, the pressure to guide children towards a certain career path at an early age sometimes limits them to safe choices. This raises a question for parents: instead of asking "what career will you pursue?", perhaps they should start with "what do you enjoy?" and "what kind of environment would you thrive in?".

Ultimately, career guidance isn't a one-time decision, but a long process that begins with small experiences, which can make a big difference in a child's future.

Back to the topic

Ms. Jo Robert - Co-Principal of EIS School

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/huong-nghiep-bat-dau-tu-bao-gio-la-du-som-20260513162408646.htm