When choosing a "hot" major based on your interests, what should students keep in mind?

The ready, the unoriented

Nguyen Khoi, a 12th grader at Nguyen Du High School (District 10, Ho Chi Minh City), shared that he is strong in social subjects. However, Khoi's favorite majors are economic law and marketing, which mainly require natural subjects for admission. Therefore, Khoi was worried when he "took a risk" and planned to take the D01 block (math, literature, English).

Many students are still confused, not knowing which career is suitable for them (Photo: Ky Huong).

"As soon as I finished summer vacation from grade 11, I spent 1-3 hours a day reviewing English, taking notes on grammar structures and difficult vocabulary on my phone so I could conveniently study anywhere. For math, I often practiced exercises and re-solved difficult questions to sharpen my thinking," Khoi shared.

The male student said that when choosing a major, he prioritized passion to motivate his studies. Then, Khoi considered career opportunities after graduation and the criteria that employers needed to train during the study process.

Duc Cuong, a 12th grade student at Tran Khai Nguyen High School (District 5), shared that learning about interests, social needs, and basic knowledge about the industry are three factors to choose a career that suits you.

Many students have identified the major they are passionate about, but worry that their current abilities are not enough to meet the requirements (Photo: Ky Huong).

"Without passion, it will be difficult to pursue it long-term. When choosing a major, you must know what you will study and what you will do to practice. With the current unemployment rate in some industries, I also consider job needs and related careers that I can change direction to," said Cuong.

Right from the beginning of high school, Cuong consulted with his family, teachers, and seniors to make the decision to pursue law at Ho Chi Minh City University of Law.

According to Cuong, law is a field that requires problem-solving, communication and persuasion skills. Therefore, he sets a goal to strive and regularly participate in many activities and movements to practice these skills.

"Last summer, I participated in the "Red Flamboyant" volunteer campaign and was the commander of Tran Khai Nguyen High School. During my participation, I learned how to organize my time, solve problems, be more confident in communicating with people and be flexible in situations," Cuong said.

Unlike students who have prepared and oriented, many senior students have not yet clearly identified their strengths and passions. That is the case of Tran Tuan, a 12th grade student at Phan Thanh Gian High School, Ben Tre Province.

The male student rated his academic ability as average and had no particular interests in any field. Tuan planned to take the A00 exam (math, physics, chemistry). These are also the three subjects he is best at with the desire to study aviation engineering at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.

"I will prioritize my strengths so that my career path is safe and smooth. Once I have a degree, I will confidently pursue other fields if I discover my passion," Tuan said.

Prioritize passion

Dr. Nguyen Hong Phan, Deputy Head of the Faculty of Education, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City, shared that according to psychological theory and career guidance research, students need to prioritize passion in choosing a major. Because passion brings joy, excitement and the ability to concentrate for people in studying and working.

"For those who are not strong in their field of interest, there is no need to worry too much. Because true passion will create motivation to strive, thereby giving them skills to gradually improve themselves," he commented.

However, students need to avoid misconceptions or inaccurate assessments. They need to refer to many sources such as multiple choice tests, personality-based career guidance textbooks, and observations from family and teachers.

Students practice on computers at a high school in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: Phi Van).

"In addition to ability and interest, students need to consider whether their personal qualities are suitable and meet the requirements of the profession. They should not choose a hot major, following temporary social trends, leading to imbalance in the labor market," said Dr. Nguyen Hong Phan.

For high school seniors who are still struggling to choose a career, according to Dr. Phan, the reason for this may be because they do not have much experience or are used to following a predetermined path.

"Interests and abilities are formed through independent and autonomous activities. Students who have not had many opportunities to experience will find it difficult to determine what areas they are passionate about and interested in. Therefore, they must set long-term and short-term goals for tasks to avoid losing direction," Dr. Phan shared.

To effectively orient students towards careers, Dr. Phan emphasized that parents and schools need to coordinate, change their perceptions, and avoid imposing career choices on students.

"Parents often have the mentality that wherever parents put, their children will sit there. However, the current educational perspective is liberal freedom, meeting the needs of students. When students are given choices and study according to their abilities and passions, they will create value for society," he said.

Ky Huong

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/lieu-minh-chon-nganh-hot-theo-so-thich-hoc-sinh-can-luu-y-gi-20240923230035325.htm