The global and Vietnamese IT labor markets have experienced significant fluctuations in recent years, reflecting the rapid development of technology and shifting employer needs. Overall, it has been one of the strongest markets for technology graduates, but with the market and world around ever changing, now is the time to ask, “how to prepare?”. For my blog, I will look at what graduates should know as they leave university and go out in the job market.
IT labor market
1. Information and communication technology (ICT) is one of the fastest-growing industries in Vietnam.
The industry has experienced positive growth over the past five years, achieving remarkable results. Revenue in Vietnam’s ICT sector has steadily increased during this period, rising from nearly 103 billion USD in 2018 to over 124.67 billion USD in 2020, and reaching 136.15 billion USD in 2021.
In addition to the wave of layoffs triggered by economic fluctuations, 2023 marked the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as it became mainstream, capturing attention and sparking innovation across the tech industry. As we move into 2025, AI remains a focal point, poised to drive significant breakthroughs in the future. With its ability to automate tasks and boost efficiency, AI not only enhances productivity and economic growth but also compels millions of people worldwide to either switch careers or upgrade their skills to stay competitive. Amid a dynamic technology landscape, many reports predict that while AI may replace certain roles in the IT sector, it will also create new job opportunities.
2. Attractive salary
Vietnam’s IT job market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, particularly in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. The demand for high-tech professionals is rapidly increasing, with salaries for experts in these fields steadily rising. According to the report, the average salary for programmers in Vietnam in 2024 was expected to range from 1,100 to 3,000 USD per month, depending on skills and experience. Specialized positions, such as AI engineers and information security experts, can command significantly higher salaries due to the scarcity of talent and the critical importance of these roles in businesses.
3. The shortage of human resources has consistently been the most significant challenge for the IT market.
Although salaries and benefits in this industry continue to rise and are somewhat above the general average, it is predicted that between 2023 and 2025, Vietnam will face a shortage of 150,000 to 200,000 programmers and engineers each year. Statistics from 2018 to 2023 indicate that the demand for human resources in Vietnam’s IT industry remains on a continuous upward trend, despite the volatile economic context. According to the ‘Vietnam IT Market Report 2023’ by TopDev, by 2025, the country will need up to 700,000 professionals in the IT sector, while the current number of programmers in Vietnam is only about 500,000.
The issue is that the number of IT majors in universities continues to grow, along with the increasing number of graduates in this field. So, why does this gap still exist?
This shortage is primarily due to a disconnect between the skill levels of programmers and the requirements of businesses. According to the ‘Vietnam IT Market Report 2023,’ out of more than 57,000 IT students graduating each year, only about 30% possess the actual skills and expertise required by employers. The remaining 70% need to undergo an additional 3 to 6 months of training within the company to achieve the necessary level of work efficiency.
It is clear that pursuing a career in the current technology market entails facing significant competition and pressure, necessitating continuous improvement and development. In addition to technical qualifications, engineers and programmers must also cultivate soft skills to enhance their adaptability and responsiveness to change. Specifically, they need to upgrade their technical skills and gain an understanding of new and emerging technologies such as Cybersecurity, DevOps, AI and Machine Learning, and Cloud Computing amongst a labyrinth of technological challenges.
What do technology students need to prepare for upon graduation?
For students aspiring to pursue a career in the technology field and wanting to thrive in a rapidly changing future, careful preparation is essential. Below are some key areas to consider for your preparation:
1. Master the foundations taught in school
During your time at university, you will be trained in fundamental concepts such as programming logic, data structures and algorithms, and object-oriented programming. Whether you are a first-year or final-year student, it’s important to learn the skills and specialized knowledge that will meet the needs of corporations and businesses after graduation. In today’s digital age, engineering technology students are often drawn to new technologies that are trending. When it comes to learning and staying updated on new technologies, students with a solid foundation in programming and algorithms can excel and adapt to any emerging technology worldwide. Therefore, you should focus on mastering the fundamentals rather than merely following technology trends, as technology itself is just a tool for development.
2. Gain experience to hone skills, build plans, and create personal value
Starting in your second year of university, you should begin setting goals and outlining your future development paths. This is the stage where you will have accumulated substantial knowledge about technology and can start applying it in practice. To sharpen your skills, consider building personal projects to practice and engage in self-study to deepen your understanding of what you’ve learned. Joining programming groups can also be beneficial, as you may learn from fellow members and, if you’re fortunate, encounter mentors who can help you with orientation and development planning.
Another recommendation is to apply for internships at technology companies. Exposure to a real working environment will allow you to gain practical knowledge and create value for yourself before officially graduating and entering the workforce. If you start interning from your second year, by the time you graduate, you could have about 2-3 years of real work experience, which will be a significant advantage when applying to renowned technology companies and corporations.
3. The ability to self-learn and a growth mindset are essential
Corporations and businesses highly value candidates with strong self-learning abilities, as these individuals can research new materials and trends, forecast developments, and determine their own career paths. Therefore, students should focus on researching and developing effective learning methods. Today, when students are tasked with learning how to perform a specific job, they often adapt quickly thanks to the support of various AI tools, abundant online information sources, and numerous online courses. However, the downside of relying on this “instant” information and guidance is that it can prevent a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Students should adopt a learning method that effectively utilizes these resources and tools in a meaningful way. Additionally, reading books and official documents is highly beneficial; you should seek out literature related to your skills and expertise to deepen your knowledge and clarify your career orientation.
For students, achieving good results while sitting in a lecture hall is not easy. Therefore, during your time at university, you need to cultivate self-awareness and independence. Upon graduation, the work environment will become increasingly competitive due to professional and life pressures. You will face challenges related to promotions and job security, so if you stop learning, you risk falling behind. Even if you excel in a specific programming language, technology and programming skills evolve rapidly, requiring you to continuously update your abilities. In just 6 months to a year, younger and more numerous candidates may surpass you. Thus, continuously improving your knowledge, updating your skills, and committing to lifelong learning are crucial for your success in both work and life.
4. English
English is widely recognized as the most popular spoken language in the world. In the IT field, most programming documentation—such as C/C++, Java, Python, JavaScript—and software interfaces are written in English.
Consequently, English plays a crucial role for those majoring in information technology and working in this field. Proficiency in English allows you to easily access a wealth of resources, rapidly update your knowledge through the global IT community, and enhance your learning experience. Additionally, being proficient in English opens up better job opportunities.
5. General knowledge of economics, society, finance, and health
IT is a part of socioeconomics, and the development of IT serves the needs of both the economy and society. Studying general knowledge in economics, society, finance, and health enables students to not only enhance their professional skills but also better prepare for their personal lives and future careers. This knowledge helps them adapt to change, fosters comprehensive thinking, and cultivates responsible citizenship in society.
6. Understand yourself and your personality tendencies while practicing emotional intelligence
Understanding oneself and recognizing personality tendencies play a crucial role in personal development and future career success. There are various tools and methods available to help you gain insights into your personality, such as personality tests, numerology, and fingerprint biometrics. Self-awareness allows you to make informed decisions, define your strengths and weaknesses, and clarify your working style and career orientation.
In addition, it is important to practice emotional intelligence (EQ), which is the ability to understand, utilize, and manage your own emotions in a positive way to reduce stress. By developing high emotional intelligence, you will experience significant improvements in areas such as effective communication, empathy, perseverance in overcoming challenges, and calm conflict resolution. Practicing emotional intelligence will enable you to build and maintain strong relationships, inspire and influence others, work effectively in teams, and manage conflicts effectively.
The future of the labor market?
Your career journey truly begins once you complete your studies. We hope the information provided above helps you understand the current IT labor market and offers valuable suggestions for preparing for your upcoming career. This knowledge will enable you to create a training plan to enhance and develop yourself effectively.
At zen8labs, we regularly hold recruitment rounds for technology interns. Through our internship program, you will receive training, gain valuable experience, and have the opportunity to contribute to real projects. If you are interested, you can follow zen8labs‘ recruitment updates on Facebook or Linkedin, or send your CV to hr@zen8labs.com.
Hien Ngo, Head of People & Partnership
