Career education has become an indispensable part of the curriculum in high schools, helping students enhance their understanding of careers and themselves, thereby enabling them to make informed decisions about choosing the right profession. At Dewey, this process is implemented and strengthened earlier, starting from middle school, to lay a solid foundation for students in their journey of future orientation.
During the orientation week at the beginning of the new school year, The Dewey Schools organized a series of career guidance activities and workshops across the entire system, providing essential information about career pathways and study abroad consultation for students from grades 6 to 12. This was an opportunity for TDSers to interact with leading experts in the fields of admissions and career guidance, as well as to meet alumni – those who have successfully navigated the path to university.
According to Master Ngo Anh Tuyet, Head of University and Career Counseling Department – Dewey’s Scientific Research and Pedagogy Council, the career guidance plan is developed uniformly for the entire school system but remains flexible, with differentiated pathways tailored to the characteristics of each campus. For example, after surveying the Tay Ho Tay campus and recognizing a high demand among students for studying in the UCCO will focus on providing information on applying for U.S. scholarships and preparing application documents.
Career guidance workshops also equip students with important skills, such as career orientation based on personality types (Holland Code) and learning about the application processes for prestigious universities both domestically and internationally.
Particularly inspiring were the stories shared by Dewey alumni, which helped students recognize the value of perseverance and effort. One such story is that of Nguyen Huyen Anh (a former student of 12Madrid, The Dewey Schools Tay Ho Tay), who earned a 100% scholarship to study psychology at VinUni. Having dreamt of becoming a doctor since childhood, Huyen Anh developed an interest in psychology in 9th grade, motivated by a desire to help her younger sister. Another story of perseverance is that of Nguyen Khanh An (also a former student of 12Madrid, The Dewey Schools Tay Ho Tay). From the beginning of high school, Khanh An focused on improving her GPA and actively participating in community activities. Despite failing in her first run for Student Council President in 10th grade, she was determined to run again the following year and succeeded. These are examples of how early career orientation and commitment to goals can lead to success.
Speaker Vu Hoang, a Master of Business Administration and career guidance expert at BUV University, emphasized that grades 8 and 9 are the golden time for career guidance. This is when students begin to ask important questions about themselves and their roles in society. Early career guidance not only helps them answer these questions but also equips them with the necessary skills for their future career development.
Speaker Chu Phuong, Founder and CEO of Laurel Consult, also emphasized the importance of early career guidance through scientific studies conducted in developed countries. She believes that shaping career aspirations early on helps students build pathways that align with their passions and strengths, while also providing motivation to pursue long-term goals.
Speaker Chu Phuong also praised The Dewey Schools’ strategy and investment in career guidance. “Despite having multiple campuses across the country, Dewey has developed a cohesive career guidance curriculum and implemented it effectively, ensuring that each student receives the best possible support in the future planning. I am confident that with the talented students and the school’s continuous efforts, the quality of career education at Dewey will continue to improve, making it a trusted place for parents to entrust the children’s education,” affirmed speaker Chu Phuong.
