Chasing trends or Choosing the right career? – A candid look at career guidance in the new era

“Choosing a career is not about living a safe life, but about finding a path where we can live a meaningful one.” This was one of the key messages shared by Ms. Dinh Hong Diep, Career Guidance Specialist at SenTia, during the Career Talkshow & Dialogue “Chasing Trends or Choosing the Right Career?”.

Held on January 11, the event drew a large number of parents and secondary school students from both within and beyond SenTia School. Designed to accompany students on their career orientation journey, the talk show was structured as an open forum, bringing together students, parents, and experts to listen, discuss, and address concerns about career choices—especially in the context of a rapidly changing labor market.

At the seminar, Ms. Dang Thi Mai Trang, Country Head of ICAEW in Vietnam, offered an international perspective on competency standards and career mindsets required of a “global citizen.” Her practical insights helped parents and students better understand the gap between academic education and employer expectations, encouraging a long-term approach to career planning.

From another angle, Mr. Dinh Tran Tuan Linh, Co-founder & CTO of UNIKON, raised direct and thought-provoking questions about the future of work in the age of artificial intelligence. He emphasized that as technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, the greatest advantage humans possess lies not merely in technical skills, but in adaptability, critical thinking, and lifelong learning—especially when career orientation begins early in life.

In addition, Ms. Dinh Hong Diep introduced the “Career Tree” model, helping the audience view career choice as a long-term developmental journey rooted in personal values and core competencies. Drawing on years of professional experience and close collaboration with students and parents, her book, “Choosing a Career,” was developed as a practical toolkit to support students in building a proactive and sustainable pathway of Self-Understanding – Career Understanding – Action.

Through the talk show, the speakers shared a common message: career guidance is not about chasing “trending jobs,” but about choosing a path that truly fits the individual and remains sustainable over time. This philosophy also serves as the guiding principle behind SenTia School’s comprehensive career guidance program, which continuously accompanies students and parents throughout their developmental journey.

Although the talk show has come to an end, the diverse perspectives, questions, and reflections on career choice sparked by the program continue to resonate. We warmly invite parents and students to follow SenTia School’s fan page to revisit and further explore the career guidance insights shared during this event.