2026 University Admissions: Choose a major you love or one that follows family tradition?

Some parents spend a great deal of time thinking about and planning a "safe" path for their children. A field that's easy to find a job in. A profession with a stable income. A path that adults believe is low-risk. But sometimes, what children need isn't the safest path, but the one that's most suitable for them. Choosing a field of study, ultimately, isn't just about choosing for a few years of university, but about choosing for a long journey ahead – where they will live, work, be involved, and grow every day.

While tradition serves as a foundation, it is not the only path.

In many Vietnamese families, professional traditions are considered a valuable "legacy." If parents are doctors, their children follow in their footsteps; if the family is in business, their children study economics; if the family has a tradition of teaching, their children continue the teaching profession...

Undeniably, tradition offers many advantages: accumulated experience, early guidance, professional networks, and strong family support.

However, according to Associate Professor Dr. Dao Thi Thu Giang - Rector of Dai Nam University, tradition only truly proves its value when it aligns with the abilities, personality, and aspirations of the learners.

"A good career choice isn't necessarily the one that gives parents the most peace of mind, but rather the one that helps students develop sustainably, motivates them to study, and ensures they can work in the profession for the long term," Associate Professor Dr. Dao Thi Thu Giang emphasized.

In reality, many students enter university with a "pre-selected" major, but lack genuine interest and motivation. As a result, their studies become forced, superficial, and even lead to discouragement, switching majors, or dropping out midway.

Choosing your chosen field – risk or opportunity?

Conversely, more and more young people are boldly expressing their opinions: "I like it," "I want it," "it suits me," and their desire to pursue their own passions.

However, this choice also raises concerns for many parents: Is it easy to find a job in that field? What is the income like? Is it sustainable in the future?

According to Ms. Cao Thi Hoa, Vice President of the Board of Directors of Dai Nam University, the core issue is not about choosing based on passion or tradition, but about making the right choice based on self-understanding, understanding the profession, and understanding the labor market.

"Passion cannot be just a fleeting emotion. Passion needs to be placed within the context of individual capabilities, social trends, and a suitable training environment to become a real value and bring long-term success," shared Ms. Cao Thi Hoa.

It's not "either - or", but "and - together".

Instead of presenting two opposing options, education experts suggest that students need to find a common ground between several factors: personal interests, practical abilities, societal needs, family circumstances, and the educational environment.

This is also the educational philosophy that Dai Nam University has steadfastly pursued for many years: putting the learner at the center, training linked to practice, and accompanying students in their careers.

Dai Nam University - where students can "make the right choice and go far".

In 2026, Dai Nam University will enroll students in 38 majors/training programs, spread across 5 major fields of study: Health; Engineering - Technology; Economics - Business; Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages; Fine Arts - Design.

This diversity gives students many suitable choices, whether they follow family traditions or pursue their personal passions.

Beyond its diverse range of academic programs, Dai Nam University focuses on building a truly effective learning environment where students study a highly applied and practical curriculum, gain early career experience, maintain close connections with businesses, and receive ongoing support throughout their development of skills, abilities, and career orientation after graduation.

Associate Professor Dr. Dao Thi Thu Giang affirmed: "The university does not impose on students who they must become, but rather creates conditions for each student to become the best version of themselves in their chosen field."

The journey of choosing a major is never a solitary one. It requires the support of family, school, and society, ensuring that each decision is made based on understanding, respect, and proper guidance.

For students seeking an educational environment that respects individuality, is connected to practical professional experience, and is geared towards a sustainable future, Dai Nam University is ready to be the foundation for them to choose the right major, study the right way, and go in the right direction.

>>> LEARN MORE ABOUT DAI NAM UNIVERSITY AND REGISTER FOR ADMISSION IN 2026: HERE