Gen Z in the New Era: Experience Leads the Way, Education Lays the Foundation

Experience – The New Advantage for Entering the Workforce

Unlike 10–15 years ago, when “having a degree meant having a job,” the 2025 job market favors candidates who can “hit the ground running.”

The 2024 Salary & Labor Market Report by Navigos Search shows that:

• 59.1% of companies prioritize hiring candidates with 1–3 years of experience, problem-solving skills, and adaptability over formal degrees.

• A study by Vietnam National University revealed that 21.43% of graduates work outside their trained field, with certain sectors seeing rates above 60%.

• Youth unemployment in Q2-2025 rose by 0.26%, despite many businesses still hiring—proof that demand exists but doesn’t align with supply.

Education – The Indispensable Foundation

However, experts emphasize that this does not mean education has lost its value. A university degree remains a critical foundation for developing systematic thinking, in-depth expertise, and soft skills.

Dr. Nguyễn Thúy Hằng (Hanoi University of Social Sciences & Humanities) notes:

“Practical experience is crucial, but it cannot fully replace an educational foundation. Formal knowledge helps young people understand deeply, analyze the core of problems, and adapt more effectively to complex changes.”

In fields like healthcare, education, law, and engineering, degrees are not only necessary but also serve as mandatory professional licenses.

What the Job Market Wants: Achievements and Real-World Experience

As the labor market evolves rapidly, companies increasingly prioritize candidates who can contribute immediately. This means that real-world experience—whether through personal projects, part-time jobs, or internships—has become a standout advantage, sometimes outweighing an impressive GPA.

The 2024 Salary & Labor Market Report by Navigos Search also shows:

• 63% of employers are willing to hire candidates without a relevant degree if they can demonstrate competence through projects or tangible results.

• This is especially common in sectors like IT, marketing, communications, and design.

Today, businesses define capability by “evidence”, not descriptions. Portfolios, completed projects, measurable results, and client feedback are the key indicators of an applicant’s value—not just the name of their university or their academic record.

Global Trends and “Cross-Industry” Skills

According to the LinkedIn Jobs Report 2025, the three most in-demand skill groups worldwide are:

1. Digital skills: Advanced Excel, SQL, Power BI, AI prompt engineering.

2. Communication & collaboration skills: Teamwork, presentation, negotiation.

3. Problem-solving mindset: Problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making.

These skills are not limited to specific industries and allow Gen Z to transition between roles more flexibly.

Advice for Gen Z: Start Building Experience from Small Steps

• Take internships, join community projects, or get part-time jobs related to your field from your 2nd or 3rd year of university.

• Build a personal portfolio with clear products and achievements.

• Diversify experiences to discover strengths and improve adaptability.

• Expand your network through workshops, conferences, and professional clubs.

• Update digital and language skills to stay competitive, such as Google Certificates, foreign languages (English, Chinese, Korean, etc.), and professional certifications (CFA, BA, etc.).

Conclusion – Let Experience Lead the Way

A degree remains an important foundation, but in the modern labor era, experience is the decisive factor helping Gen Z move faster and more confidently in their careers. Real-world experiences—even from the smallest jobs—become the competitive edge that opens doors for advancement and long-term stability. Being proactive in learning and practicing today means giving yourself the most secure “ticket” to a promising professional future.