Navigating futures: High school career guidance in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta through teachers’ insights

Abstract

This study examines the career guidance practices of high school teachers in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, with an objective to understand their perspectives and roles in facilitating students’ career decisions. Utilizing a qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 teachers, purposively selected from 10 high schools across 7 provinces, to represent a cross-section of the educational landscape in the region. Data analysis was conducted through thematic analysis, meticulously identifying recurring topics and ideas across the interviews to understand the challenges and opportunities in career guidance. The analysis highlighted the critical need for tailored educational strategies to enhance career preparedness. These findings aim to inform policymakers and educators in the Mekong Delta and similar regions, offering a foundation for developing effective career guidance frameworks.