Why are popular fields of study at risk of saturation?

Experts argue that rushing to enroll in "hot" majors does not guarantee young people will secure a satisfying job later, due to the risk of market saturation and the unpredictable fluctuations of the job market in the future.

"Hot" fields of study are those with high labor market demand, attractive salaries, and alignment with current societal trends. However, career guidance experts warn that students and parents should be aware of the risks of market saturation.

Speaking to VietNamNet , Associate Professor Pham Manh Ha ( Hanoi University of Science and Technology) said that popular fields often attract a large number of participants, easily leading to a situation where supply exceeds demand.

"When a field is hyped in the media for its high salaries and career opportunities, many people will flock to study it. For example, the Information Technology industry in Vietnam has recently attracted attention thanks to startups and software outsourcing services, but not all of the thousands of graduates each year find quality jobs."

Furthermore, universities and online courses have rapidly expanded their training programs for in-demand fields to meet the demand. As a result, the number of applicants has skyrocketed, while the number of jobs has not increased proportionally. In the US, the technology industry once boomed, but now many companies are cutting staff due to saturation,” Mr. Ha analyzed.

Students at Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Photo: VNU

Mr. Ha stated that the risk of saturation also stems from the volatile labor market. “Hot industries often depend on temporary factors such as economic booms or new technologies. When the cycle ends, demand decreases, leading to saturation. A hot industry today may become ‘cold’ tomorrow due to new technologies, economic recession, or global shifts. For example, the oil and gas industry was once hot but is now affected by renewable energy. Therefore, if young people choose a field of study solely because it’s popular, they may face unemployment or have to change careers late,” Mr. Ha shared.

According to Mr. Ha, when young people flock to attractive industries, they will also face fiercer competition. This leads to lower-than-expected starting salaries and longer job search times.

Associate Professor Tran Thanh Nam, Vice Rector of the University of Education - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, believes that the risk of saturation also stems from the fact that many training institutions are "competing" to open popular majors without forecasting the labor market's capacity. The promotional programs are attractive and confusing for students, while the quality of lecturers and the ability to ensure output standards are uneven. Many institutions still equate passing courses with output standards, so even with popular majors, students still struggle to find jobs after graduation if they lack the necessary skills and qualifications.

According to Mr. Nam, evaluating "hot" industries requires looking at the timeline. An industry might be considered hot right now, but the time it takes for universities to recognize it before they actually develop programs and recruit students is often delayed by 5-10 years. By the time students graduate, that industry may have already begun to decline.

He also noted that, in the context of the 4.0 technological revolution, the "lifespan" of professions is shorter than before. Some technological fields may become obsolete as soon as new solutions emerge, reminding young people to carefully consider their career choices.

Many young people are hesitant when faced with the choice of a future career. (Illustration: Thanh Hung)

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Phu Khanh, Deputy General Director of Phenikaa University, also advised candidates not to rush into any major just because it's currently popular and in high demand. “I think you shouldn't chase after the hottest majors. Before choosing a major, you need to answer these questions: Do I like that major? Do I have the abilities suitable for it? Does the major have promising development prospects? Is the tuition fee suitable for my family's financial situation? Is the admission score appropriate for me?”, said Professor Khanh.

According to Mr. Khanh, what's currently a popular field may not be popular in five years. Therefore, candidates need to consider this carefully.

Associate Professor Pham Manh Ha believes that when choosing a career, students pursuing fields simply because they are popular without genuine passion can lead to many long-term problems.

The first consequence is a lack of motivation and burnout. “If you don’t love your job, it will be difficult to maintain daily enthusiasm. Every job has pressure, challenges, and long working hours; a lack of passion will easily lead to discouragement, reduced productivity, and even giving up halfway. If you don’t like it, you’ll see further learning for it as a burden, leading to poor results and difficulty competing with those who are truly passionate. Conversely, if you choose a field that aligns with your interests, you will find it easier to overcome difficulties and develop long-term,” Mr. Ha said.

According to him, a career occupies a large portion of a person's life. Choosing a field you don't enjoy can lead to stress, affect mental health, and reduce the quality of life. In short, young people should choose a career based on their interests, personal skills, and life values, rather than following trends.

To make the right choice, according to Mr. Ha, parents and candidates need to assess long-term trends and choose majors with stable demand. "If you are truly passionate about a hot industry, prepare outstanding skills to overcome the competition," Mr. Ha said.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/vi-sao-nhung-nganh-hoc-hot-lai-co-nguy-co-bao-hoa-2471301.html