F&B: A Practical Career Opportunity for Fresh Graduates – A Smarter Choice Than Traditional “Hot” Majors

Training: Fast and Practical Entry into the Workforce

Unlike sectors such as finance, banking, or marketing — where students often need years of theory and internships — the F&B industry offers:

• Short training programs that focus on hands-on skills: vocational courses for chefs, baristas, bartenders, and F&B management range from 3 to 12 months.
• Affordable training costs with no university degree required, while still offering career advancement or entrepreneurial opportunities.

For example, many renowned baristas in Vietnam’s top coffee chains don’t hold university degrees but have become trainers, R&D managers, or successful coffee shop owners.

More Realistic Job Opportunities Than Other “Hot” Majors

According to the Vietnam Employment Outlook 2024 by Navigos Group:

• 18% of graduates in Finance – Banking remain unemployed 6 months after graduation.
• Meanwhile, over 90% of graduates in culinary, beverage, service, and F&B management programs secure jobs within 3 months, especially after internships at reputable restaurants or hotels.

???? Why?

• Finance and banking sectors are oversaturated and have high entry barriers (e.g., language, certifications, academic performance).
• F&B faces a serious labor shortage, especially for skilled workers with good work ethics.

????️ What the Market Needs: Practical Skills Over Degrees

While many business school graduates are struggling to find jobs, the F&B sector provides a clear path: those with strong skills and the right attitude are in high demand and can quickly advance.

• Skilled chefs can earn VND 15–40 million/month after just 2–3 years.
• Professional baristas or certified bartenders can work in 5-star hotels or abroad (e.g., Australia, Japan, Dubai) with competitive salaries.
• With accumulated experience, workers can move into operations management, chain directors, or start their own food & beverage businesses.

???? Rethinking Career Choices: “Follow the Market, Not the Trend”

Many students (and their parents) still choose majors based on old beliefs — like “office jobs are stable” or “banking is prestigious” — instead of:

• Real labor market demand.
• Their own personality and strengths.
• Long-term career growth potential.

F&B is no longer a fallback option for unskilled labor. It’s becoming a professional, internationalized career ecosystem, with diverse roles such as:

• Food stylists, F&B marketing specialists, barista trainers, R&D head chefs, F&B brand developers, and more.

???? Advice for Young People: Start Small, Master Real Skills

Instead of waiting for an opportunity in a saturated industry, young people can:

• Join formal vocational training programs from institutions like Hoa Sen University, Saigontourist Hospitality College, or reputable training centers.
• Start at entry-level jobs in cafes or restaurants to gain real-world experience and professional work habits.
• Focus on personal branding and workplace attitude — the most valued traits in the service industry.

Conclusion

The F&B industry offers a practical, high-demand, and structured career path, especially for young people who may not pursue university or who want to enter the workforce quickly.

In a fast-changing job landscape, choosing a career based on market demand and future growth — like F&B — provides a stronger competitive edge and long-term stability, compared to chasing oversaturated “hot” industries.