Yet behind those headlines lies a more complex reality.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Tuan Dung, Vice Rector of the School of Information and Communication Technology at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, the industry is simultaneously experiencing both surplus and shortage of human resources.

The surplus, he explained, is concentrated in routine, repetitive roles and mid-level management positions - areas increasingly vulnerable to replacement by artificial intelligence. At the same time, there is a severe shortage of highly skilled engineers capable of solving complex, real-world problems.

A shifting global demand

This transformation is not unique to Vietnam.

The “Future of Jobs Report 2025” by the World Economic Forum projects that by 2030, the global economy will create around 78 million new jobs. Among the fastest-growing roles are data specialists, fintech engineers, AI and machine learning experts, software developers and cybersecurity professionals.

The implication is clear: while some jobs will disappear, new ones with higher requirements will emerge.

For Dr. Cao Tuan Dung, the key question is no longer whether students should study IT, but whether they are capable of adapting to constant change. The so-called surplus exists mainly among those who lack skills, fail to update their knowledge or cannot keep pace with technological progress.

When “knowing how to code” is no longer enough

In practice, many IT graduates struggle to find jobs - not because demand is lacking, but because hiring expectations have evolved.

Today’s AI systems can already handle basic programming tasks effectively. As a result, graduates who only possess coding skills, without deeper system thinking, face increasing competition.

Work itself is also shifting.

Tasks are moving away from execution toward design. Repetitive work is fading, while roles that require complex logical thinking and an understanding of user needs are growing rapidly.

Companies are no longer hiring in large numbers. Instead, they are becoming more selective, prioritizing candidates with practical experience, problem-solving ability and the capacity to use AI as a tool rather than rely on it entirely.

Language proficiency and technical communication skills have also emerged as major barriers, particularly for those seeking opportunities in multinational companies.

Rethinking how IT is studied

In an increasingly competitive landscape, Dr. Cao Tuan Dung emphasized that choosing IT should begin with personal aptitude and genuine interest, rather than following trends.

Without passion and persistence, students are more likely to drop out or be filtered out by the market.

Equally important is a shift in learning approach.

Instead of focusing on memorization or simply following instructions, students need to understand the core of problems and learn how to ask the right questions. AI should be leveraged to enhance learning efficiency, but not treated as a crutch. The ability to verify and correct errors generated by such tools is becoming essential.

Competitive advantage now lies in foundational capabilities - system thinking, architectural design, solving open-ended problems, and effective communication and teamwork.

Interdisciplinary knowledge in fields such as healthcare, finance or manufacturing can further strengthen a student’s ability to apply technology to real-world challenges.

Learning beyond the classroom

Students are also encouraged to participate in real-world projects early in their academic journey. This not only reinforces knowledge but also serves as tangible proof of capability in a job market that increasingly values hands-on experience.

Above all, lifelong learning is critical.

Technology evolves rapidly, and those who fail to continuously update their skills risk being left behind.

In that sense, the future of IT does not belong to those who simply follow instructions, but to those who can think independently, adapt quickly and grow alongside the technologies they use.

Thuy Nga