Speaking with VietNamNet, Associate Professor Dr. Vu Viet Vu, Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology at CMC University, shared insights drawn from nearly 30 years of research and teaching in computing and IT.

“In particular, with the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its core pillars - IoT, Big Data, and AI - this field has entered a phase of unprecedented acceleration. Today, IT is an essential infrastructure, a launchpad for countless sectors, and a central pillar of digital transformation,” said Vu.

According to him, IT and its related fields - such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and software engineering - are becoming core disciplines at many universities and will continue to attract learners while meeting evolving labor market demands.

“IT is now indispensable. It’s a deciding factor in the competitiveness and development of industries like banking, finance, healthcare, education, logistics, media, and manufacturing. Digital transformation and AI adoption are inevitable for every nation and organization. That’s why there is a pressing need for a workforce that is both sufficient in number and qualified in skill,” he emphasized.

Vu believes IT will remain a “hot” sector for years to come.

First, the field is driving breakthroughs and is increasingly embedded in daily life. With AI emerging as a global trend in recent years, no country can afford to remain a bystander. Strategic, long-term investments in research, product development, and real-world application are now crucial. “You’ll notice that most billionaires today are in tech, especially in IT,” he noted.

Second, IT offers unique career flexibility. “If you have strong technical skills and can speak a foreign language, you become a global citizen. You can work from anywhere for any organization in the world,” Vu explained. “And due to the nature of the field, IT startups make up a significant portion of new ventures. All you need is a computer and a good idea - you can launch a startup right from your own home.”

Third, IT serves as a springboard for virtually every other field, creating a constant demand for talent. “In reality, many companies are building in-house IT teams to support product strategy and create a competitive edge within their industries,” he added.

However, Vu also stressed that students entering IT cannot rely solely on technical knowledge. In an era where AI is evolving rapidly and the labor market is in flux, broader skill sets are critical.

“Above all, lifelong learning is key,” he said. “Technology is constantly changing, and professionals must keep updating their knowledge instead of depending solely on what they learned in school.”

He also advised students to gain a well-rounded understanding of AI - its benefits, risks, and how to apply it effectively in real-world scenarios. Other essential skills include teamwork, networking, and personal branding in the global tech ecosystem. Business management, financial literacy, and creative thinking will help young professionals go beyond technical roles to lead major projects or start their own ventures in digital technology.

Thanh Hung