Employability of graduates continues to be a central concern for higher education in Vietnam, particularly as graduates navigate increasingly competitive labor markets. This study explores how graduates from a public university in Vietnam perceive the challenges and enablers shaping their transition from university to employment. Drawing on qualitative responses from five cohorts (2020–2024), the analysis applies Braun and Clarke’s thematic approach to open-ended survey questions on unemployment reasons, effective preparation experiences, and suggestions for curriculum improvement. The findings highlight six interconnected themes: the need for earlier and more structured internships, gaps in professional and technical skills, limited access to job information, persistent language barriers, insufficient soft-skill development, and the misalignment between academic programs and industry needs. Graduates consistently emphasized the importance of real-world exposure, language and IT competence, and stronger collaboration between universities and employers. These findings point toward the necessity of curriculum reform, enhanced career services, and integrated employability pathways that connect classroom learning with real-world practice. The study also underscores the role of qualitative feedback for rethinking higher education contribution to workforce readiness in Vietnam.

Authors:
Hong-Van Nghiem, Hanoi University, Vietnam
Thi-Hong-Thuy Dang, Hanoi University, Vietnam
Hoang-Nam Tran, Tokushima University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Hoang-Nam Tran, M.D., Ph.D. is an Associate Professor at Research Center for Higher Education, Tokushima University, Japan.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/%E9%BB%84%E5%8D%97-%E9%99%B3-11bb2248/

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nam-Tran-8

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