Should one work or pursue University Education?

When faced with the decision of choosing a career path, many candidates and parents are often confused: Is it worth going to University while many fresh graduates are unemployed? The trend of working abroad, working in industrial zones with average income of millions dong per month, and the examples of famous billionaires like Bill Gates or Steve Jobs, who didn't attend university, all add to the confusion among the youth: "School or life experience?" 

University Education offers young individuals the best opportunities and favorable conditions to acquire knowledge, integrate into modern life and secure a long-term future 

Dropping out of University to start working early - Immediate gains, long-term drawbacks

According to statistics from the Ministry of Education and Training, there has been a growing trend in recent years of candidates not applying for University admission but pursuing Vocational Education, studying abroad, or working in industrial zones instead. 

Specifically, in 2022, nearly 35% of candidates chose not to pursue University Education, resulting in a 20% decrease in the number of candidates compared to 2021 and only a 3.4% decrease compared to 2020.

Every year in Nghe An province, about 50% of students choose to pursue Higher education at Colleges and Universities, while the rest opt for Vocational Education, studying abroad or starting to work early, etc.

In 2022, many High Schools in districts such as: Can Loc and Loc Ha in Ha Tinh province had only 30% of students registering for University admission.

The availability of jobs in industrial zones, where young and healthy individuals can secure employment without the need for qualifications or experience, earn a monthly salary of millions dong by working overtime for 12-14 hours per day, satisfies their immediate needs. Consequently, many young people abandon their aspirations of attending University and start working early instead. 

Nevertheless, it is crucial to consider the long-term consequences. What happens when these workers reach the end of their labor age and are compelled to quit their jobs? Where can they find alternative employment opportunities with their limited age and qualifications? 

Furthermore, many families choose to send their children to work abroad, willing to invest a substantial amount of money with the hope of "changing their lives" after 4-5 years of labor in foreign countries. This seems like a good solution to the problem of "heavy work, high salary, significant cost." However, a challenge arises after 4-5 years of working abroad, when it becomes increasingly difficult to secure stable long-term employment without qualifications.

The actual evidence has shown that starting work early may provide a short-term solution to economic challenges, but it has significant consequences for individuals, families and society as a whole. The advent of the 4.0 Industrial Revolution has had a profound impact on people's lives, shaping their daily experiences and altering the course of society. Without knowledge, individuals are challenged to keep up with the ever-changing world and thrive in it. Additionally, it is not desirable for a nation to solely rely on skilled workers. The younger generation, who represents the future workforce, must contribute their intellect and energy to their homeland to develop a strong and powerful nation.

The success of individuals does not depend on luck or short-term calculations

A dynamic and modern learning environment at the University level helps students foster the comprehensive development of students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes

Dr. Gian Tu Trung - the Rector of PACE Business School, and the Director of the IRED Education Institute, states that there are various perspectives regarding the importance of University Education. Some argue that "success can be achieved without a University degree", often citing exemplary figures like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg. However, these individuals are known for their continuous pursuit of knowledge and their commitment to lifelong learning, despite their lack of formal degrees.

"There are many paths to success, but only through learning and practical education can one create true value and determine their own destiny", emphasizes Dr. Gian Tu Trung.

Having the same viewpoint, Dr. Le Dac Son - the Chairman of the Dai Nam University Council, believes that cases like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are extremely rare and should primarily serve as inspiration for those who choose not to pursue University Education, rather than being seen as models for young individuals to follow.

Dr. Le Tham Duong - the founder of PR Business School, analyzes the situation, stating: "Bill Gates is an individual who has devoted himself to learning. That’s why American Universities invite him as an Honorable Professor. Bill Gates has advised young people that studying is essential for success. Similarly, Steve Jobs has shared that no one achieves success without learning".

Research also indicates that 80% of impoverished individuals in society have not pursued education beyond High school, while 90% of the wealthy have received education at the University level or higher.

Dr. Le Dac Son argues that these statistics accurately reflect the nature and impact of knowledge on human life. Human success relies not on luck but on knowledge, qualifications, and skills.

"Only those who possess knowledge and a foundational education can quickly recognize opportunities and become wealthy and successful", emphasizes Dr. Le Dac Son.

University Education is not the sole path to learning; however, it remains the shortest and most stable route to success for individuals

In the current context of globalization and fierce competition, experts argue that only those who fail to envision the bigger picture would “reject” the importance of University Education. 

"University Education is not the only path of learning; a University degree does not guarantee a better life if the individual does not make efforts to study and accumulate knowledge. However, pursuing University Education provides a significant competitive advantage. Universities offer us the best opportunities and conditions to access fundamental knowledge and adapt to modern life. A University degree plays a crucial role in offering chances to both domestic and international organizations, enterprises and institutions", shares Dr. Le Dac Son.

Dr. Le Tham Duong points out that the lack of global standards is the primary reason why many graduates struggle with unemployment: "Without a University Education, how can one develop global competence and mindset? Vocational schools primarily focus on teaching skills, while University Education empowers students to understand and solve problems, making it more suitable for the rapidly developing world we live in."

University Education not only helps cultivate work ethics in the local context but also nurtures a global mindset

University Education helps individuals develop comprehensively, fostering a standardized mindset and approach to actions

Dr. Le Dac Son states that: While High schools impart cultural understanding, ways of living, moral values, along with basic knowledge for social integration; University Education focuses on critical thinking and the acquisition of advanced knowledge to solve complex tasks, ensuring sustainable lives and making meaningful contributions to families and society.

Dr. Gian Tu Trung further emphasizes that: "Pursuing University Education enables us to acquire knowledge, attain degrees and establish professions to become the individuals we aspire to be and live our envisioned lives…"

A University degree brings long-term career prospects, offering opportunities for professional growth and advancement

A University degree plays a crucial role in offering chances to both domestic and international organizations, enterprises and institutions

Currently, many High school graduates decide not to pursue Higher Education, and choose to work or go abroad for employment instead. While this decision may address immediate concerns such as having a job and income, it poses challenges in the long run. The lack of Higher Education diminishes their prospects for career progression, leaving them vulnerable to unemployment as they reach the end of labor age and their health declines. Pursuing University Education reduces these risks. By acquiring qualifications, skills, and degrees, individuals gain the ability to keep learning and engage in more significant endeavors. Equipped with these factors, they secure ample opportunities for personal growth, development and advancement in their chosen careers. 

04 admission methods of Dai Nam University in 2023

In 2023, Dai Nam University will admit 7.030 students for regular undergraduate programs in 24 training majors across 04 sectors: Healthcare, Engineering & Technology, Economics & Business, and Social Sciences.

Method 1: Selection based on the National High School Exam results of 03 subjects registered for admission.

Applicants with exam scores that meet the minimum standard threshold set by the University after the announcement of the High school Graduation Exam Results in 2023, except for the Healthcare programs with specific criteria set by the Ministry of Education and Training.

Method 2: Selection based on Grade 12’s transcripts of 03 subjects registered for admission.

* For admission to General Medicine & Pharmacy, applicants are required to ensure Grade 12 academic performance ranked from “Very good" or High school graduation assessment score from 8.0, combined with the total score of 3 subjects from 24.

* For admission to Nursing, applicants are required to ensure Grade 12 academic performance ranked from “Good” or High school graduation assessment score from 6.5, combined with the total score of 3 subjects from 19.5.

* For admission to other majors: The minimum total score of 3 subjects is 18.

Method 3: Direct admission according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training and the specific regulations of Dai Nam University.

In addition to the minimum requirement of High school graduates or equivalent, the candidate is required to ensure one of the direct admission requirements prescribed at Appendix 8 of Dai Nam University admission regulations.

Method 4: Admission for candidates graduated from International High schools.

Applicants are required to ensure graduation from International High schools. Based on the candidate’s High school transcripts, the Rector of the University would consider admission.

Registration for admission at the Website: https://xettuyen.dainam.edu.vn/

Fill out the online application form at: https://hosoxettuyen.dainam.edu.vn/

OFFICE OF ADMISSION - DAI NAM UNIVERSITY

Address: No. 1 Xom St, Phu Lam, Ha Dong, Hanoi

Website: https://dainam.edu.vn/en; https://tuyensinh.dainam.edu.vn/vi

Email: tuyensinh@dainam.edu.vn

Hotline/Zalo: 0931 595 599; 0961 595 599; 0971 595 599

>>> REGISTRATION FOR ADMISSION: HERE

International Office