| Abstract
This study aims to analyse the factors influencing the situation of graduates in Vietnam working outside their fields of study. By conducting a survey of 120 participants using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire, the research focuses on clarifying the current employment situation, identifying the causes of occupational mismatch, and proposing several remedial solutions. The results indicate that although the majority of graduates work in jobs aligned with or closely related to their training, a considerable proportion shift to unrelated fields. The main reasons include personal interests, unsatisfactory salary levels, limited opportunities for advancement, and difficulties in finding jobs that match their specialization. This phenomenon reflects the lack of alignment between university curricula and the practical demands of the labour market. While negative impacts such as restricted career development opportunities and the absence of long-term orientation exist, working outside one’s field can also offer certain benefits, including skill diversification and greater adaptability to a flexible labour environment. The study emphasizes the importance of career counselling, stronger connections between educational institutions and enterprises, as well as retraining and upskilling programs to enhance employability and reduce the gap between training and employment.
Research purpose: This research analyses the factors influencing the phenomenon of working outside one’s trained major among Vietnamese graduates. The study investigates the current employment status, reasons for career mismatch, andpotential solutions to address this issue from both individual and systemic perspectives.
Research motivation: Amidst the rapid development of Vietnam’s economy, the labour market has become increasingly diverse and dynamic. However, the phenomenon of employees working outside their field of study is becoming more widespread,especially among young university graduates. This mismatch not only raises concerns regarding workers’ job satisfaction, performance, and long-term career orientation but also impacts the effectiveness of educational institutions and the overall development of the national workforce. This paper aims to explore the root causes of this phenomenon and to propose solutions from the perspectives of human resource management, education, and social policy. This issue is urgent, highly relevant, and directly affects millions of Vietnamese workers. Understanding the underlying factors of employment mismatch will help improve not only individual career satisfaction but also overall productivity and national human capital development.
Research design, approach, and method: This study adopts a quantitative research design to systematically explore the phenomenon of employment mismatch in Vietnam. The questionnaire was constructed based on relevant theoretical frameworks and insights from previousstudies. The study targeted individuals who had completed undergraduate or college programs in Vietnam and were currently employed. The intended age range was between 22 and 30 years, focusing on recent graduates or early-career workers who are more likely to experience employment mismatch. A convenience sampling method was employed, whereby respondents voluntarily participated in the survey. This data was collected through a survey of120 participants conducted via Google Forms with a 5-point Likert scale.
Main findings: The survey results indicate that while a majority of graduates work in their field or a related area, a significant portion engage in jobs unrelated to their academic training. Key reasons for working outside their major include personal interest in other fields, insufficient salary, limited career advancement opportunities, and difficulties finding jobs aligned with their qualifications. This situation reflects the broader disconnect between higher education and labor market requirements, raising concerns about the effectiveness of academic training and career preparation.The research also highlights both negative impacts, such as adaptation challenges and limited promotion prospects, and positive outcomes, including skill diversification and expanded career options, and increased flexibility in navigating a dynamic job market. These insights provide a more nuanced understanding of the employment experiences of Vietnamese graduates.
Practical/managerial implications: Through a thorough literature review and empirical analysis, the study underscores the need for improved career counseling, enhanced curriculum relevance to market demands, stronger connections between universities andenterprises, and programs for reskilling and upskilling. The findings contribute valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and employers aiming to reduce employment mismatch and better support graduate employability in Vietnam. This paper offers practical recommendations to bridge the gap between education and labor market requirements, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated approach to career guidance and training. The study enriches academic discourse on employment mismatch and provides a foundation for future research on improving graduate outcomes in rapidly evolving economies. |
