Objectives: To describe the current status of career orientation after graduation among final-year Preventive Medicine students at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Nguyen University in 2025.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study combining quantitative and qualitative approaches was conducted among 70 final-year students majoring in Preventive Medicine at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Nguyen University in 2025.
Results: The percentage of students without career guidance after graduation is 44.3%. The tendency for students to choose work in their trained field is still low (61.4%), and they prioritize working at Centers for Disease Control, Health Centers, and Health Stations (45.7%). The top criteria students consider when choosing a workplace are a good working environment (67.1%), high salary (64.3%), and opportunities for professional development (50.0%). Students expect career guidance from family and relatives (57.1%) and from the university (28.6%).
Conclusion: The percentage of students without career guidance after graduation remains high. The tendency for students to choose jobs related to their field of study is still low. Students desire more career guidance from their families and the university. More attention is needed from academic advisors and the Public Health Faculty, which directly manages students.