Abstract
In undergraduate health professions education, the primary goal is to prepare students with the skills and knowledge for employment and to foster a motivated future health workforce. Studies show that job satisfaction is linked to educational satisfaction, and well-designed transition programs and clinical exposure are crucial for smooth transitions from academia to the professional world. Through a mixed-methods approach incorporating both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, this study aims to provide further insights into students' career aspirations and the underlying determinants for health professions students in Vietnam. In phase one, 198 respondents were surveyed, equivalent to 77% of recipients, providing demographic data and quantitative insight into career preferences. Phase two consisted of in-depth individual interviews with 11 students to explore the nuanced factors influencing their career intentions. The results reveal a diverse range of career aspirations among students, with a predominant interest in clinical practice, focusing on surgery, internal medicine and pediatrics. Notably, 22.7% (n = 45) of students aspire to practice overseas, while nearly 31.4% (n=62) have yet to decide between local or overseas practice. The study also reveals a need to improve career counseling support, as a significant portion (70.7%, n=140) of participants feel they have not received adequate assistance in this area. Factors such as personal interest, family influence, financial considerations, societal appreciation, and mentorship emerged as significant influences on students' career decisions. The study provides insights for educational institutions and policymakers to enhance career guidance and support services, identify the needs of counselling and mentorship program, thereby facilitating the successful transition of students into their chosen healthcare professions.