Career Guidance in the AI ​​Era

(Dan Tri) - Career orientation is now not only a private matter for children, but also a current issue for families, schools and society.

Is AI a threat or an opportunity?

The era of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping every field, from the way people live, work to study. In that context, many parents and students cannot help but worry: will AI take away human jobs, or open new career doors?

"Every day I read the news and see that AI can write, process data, and even advise customers better than real people. I wonder if my child will still have a chance if he studies in fields that are threatened by AI? Will my child be prepared enough to adapt to a world that is changing so quickly?", Ms. Thuy Hanh, a parent whose child is in grade 12 and is preparing to choose a major for university in Ho Chi Minh City, wondered.

AI destroys many jobs, but also creates many new jobs (Photo: DC_Studio).

The World Economic Forum's (WEF) "Future of Jobs 2025" report predicts that 90 million jobs may disappear, but at the same time, about 170 million new jobs will be created.

A recent survey conducted by RMIT Vietnam with more than 4,000 parents, students and young people participating showed that: 72% believe that AI will directly affect the career they pursue, but at the same time, 64% think this is an opportunity if they are properly prepared.

According to Ms. Ngo Thi Ngoc Lan - Director of Navigos Search senior recruitment services, AI is helping businesses optimize many steps in the recruitment process such as screening resumes, writing job descriptions, and analyzing candidate data.

However, this does not mean that humans will be replaced. "AI only replaces people who do not know how to take advantage of AI. Those who know how to use AI as a partner will have many advantages at work," she emphasized.

Don't be afraid, be prepared to step confidently into the future.

Younger generations, especially Gen Z, are the group most affected by technology and AI. But instead of being afraid, it is important to change the way we think: AI is a tool, not a competitor.

Ms. Nguyen Phuong Mai - CEO of Groove Technology Vietnam shared: "If AI can do your job, it is not AI's fault, but you have not done better than AI. The important thing is to learn how to collaborate with AI, turn it into an extension to increase efficiency, not to delegate work."

This requires young people to not only have professional skills, but also multidisciplinary capabilities. Agreeing with Ms. Nguyen Phuong Mai, Associate Professor, Dr. Dinh Ngoc Minh - Deputy Head of Research and Innovation, Faculty of Science , Engineering and Technology, RMIT Vietnam, affirmed that an engineer today needs to have communication skills, project management, design thinking, just as a business student needs to understand data, technology and systems thinking.

Dr. Dinh Ngoc Minh is the direct instructor of student Phung Minh Tuan - author of the project to decode doctors' handwriting using machine learning technology (Photo: RMIT).

Therefore, pioneering universities such as RMIT Vietnam have been strongly shifting from a purely theoretical training model to a practical approach and towards comprehensive competencies to equip students with the necessary skills to help them stand firm in the future.

In addition to providing professional knowledge, the school places special emphasis on developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit - core elements that humans need to collaborate with AI instead of being replaced by AI.

These skills are practiced by RMIT students from the first year, not only in the classroom but also through many practical integrated learning activities.

Dr Dinh Ngoc Minh said that RMIT University Vietnam actively integrates new technology into its curriculum, such as using AI as a tool to support learning, teaching and assessment. The university encourages students not to avoid technology, but to understand how AI works, its limitations, and find ways to use AI as a smart teammate in both learning and work. Students in the university's three faculties, Business, Communication and Design and Science, Engineering and Technology, have the opportunity to apply AI and many other technologies in their subjects and daily learning activities.

RMIT Vietnam organized the Launching Ceremony of the Vietnam Education Innovation Forum with Artificial Intelligence 2025, with the participation of the Ministry of Education and Training, the Australian Embassy, ​​UNICEF Vietnam, Departments of Education and Training... (Photo: RMIT).

Not only stopping at the lecture hall, RMIT's training model also connects students with the labor market through career counseling programs, seminars with experts, startup competitions and a global alumni network.

Students are encouraged to develop adaptability and a lifelong learning mindset and a willingness to take on challenges – key factors that keep them from falling behind as technology changes every day.

Students are not only encouraged to study one major, but also to cross-study and open learning, to adapt to diverse roles in the future.

Adjust your career strategy

Choosing a major now no longer depends on "hot majors" or "top schools" but needs to be based on understanding yourself, understanding your career and preparing a long-term strategy. This strategy needs to start with choosing a suitable learning environment, a place that helps students discover their potential as well as equipping them with the necessary skills to always be ready to adapt to the times.

According to Ms. Ngo Thi Ngoc Lan, it is important to have the ability to adapt and be resilient: "Future success depends on being ready to learn from mistakes, change direction when necessary, and constantly develop yourself," she said.

The AI-era labor market is volatile but also full of opportunities. The worries are real, but the future lies not in fear, but in proper preparation. Parents need to accompany their children in discovering themselves, developing skills and orienting their careers based on their abilities - interests - life values, instead of forcing their children to follow safe or trendy industries.

Young people are also starting to see AI as an essential part of their career journey, learning to collaborate, quickly and deeply. The advantage of young people is that they do not have to worry too much about failure, and their attitude and adaptability can take them far.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/huong-nghiep-trong-ky-nguyen-ai-20250515223534060.htm