For 12th grade students, this is a critical time to decide on their future academic and career paths. As a result, career counseling and university admission guidance programs have been organized to provide timely and accurate information. Recently, over 500 high school students from schools such as Điện Biên provincial Boarding High School, Lê Quý Đôn Gifted High School, Điện Biên Phủ city High School, Lương Thế Vinh High School, Phan Đình Giót High School, and Điện Biên district Boarding High School had the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from Russian universities. During these sessions, students received valuable insights into academic programs, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities for studying abroad.

Sharing her thoughts on the program, Hoàng Như Loan, a student at Điện Biên provincial Boarding High School, said: “The counseling session helped me gain a clearer understanding of study programs in Russia, expanding my options for future education. This is a great opportunity for us to access advanced education and explore new pathways for our future”.

Beyond career guidance from international universities, high schools across the province are also placing significant emphasis on career orientation from an early stage. For the 2024 - 2025 academic year, Mường Ảng High School has a total of 670 students, including 190 high school graders who are facing important career decisions. The school has integrated career counseling into its curriculum from grade 10 through specialized career education sessions.

Nguyễn Thành Chi, Principal of Mường Ảng High School, explained: “We implement career guidance through three main approaches: integrating career education into subjects, organizing specialized seminars, and conducting counseling sessions during school assemblies. This allows students to access labor market information and make informed career choices”.

Starting in March, Thanh Chăn High School (Điện Biên district) has intensified its career counseling efforts. To provide students with a clearer vision for their future, the school invites experts from local and out-of-province businesses to offer career advice. Additionally, hands-on experiences at various companies and production facilities are arranged to give students a realistic view of different professions, helping them make well-informed decisions. Teachers also conduct mock tests to assess students’ strengths and provide tailored career advice.

Trần Đăng Khoa, Principal of Thanh Chăn High School, emphasized: “Not every student needs to go to university, but they do need a solid profession for their future. We regularly organize mock tests to help guide students toward suitable career paths”.

Alongside support from schools and educational authorities, students must take an active role in researching and selecting careers that fit their aspirations and abilities. Career counseling sessions not only introduce them to various professions but also stress the importance of thoughtful decision-making.

Nguyễn Phương Linh, a 12C1 student at Mường Ảng High School, shared: “I used to think that choosing a career was simply about following my passion. But after attending counseling sessions, I realized that I need to balance my interests with my skills and the job market demands to make the best choice”.

In reality, many students still underestimate the importance of career orientation, leading to mismatched career choices or difficulties in finding suitable jobs after graduation. To address this, the Department of Education and Training of Điện Biên province has directed schools to establish career counseling committees and implement career orientation programs early in students’ academic journeys.

Career guidance is not solely the responsibility of schools - it requires active participation from families as well. Parents need to listen to their children’s aspirations while also providing practical guidance to help them make informed career choices. Effective career counseling from an early stage will enable students to develop a clear understanding of their future careers, reducing unemployment and job mismatches. Selecting the right career path will allow students to maximize their potential and contribute positively to their communities and society.

Thanks to joint efforts from schools, students, and families, career guidance initiatives in the province are yielding positive results. These programs are helping students gain a clearer perspective on their career paths. With the support of teachers, families, and society, students will have the confidence and motivation to choose the right direction for their future.