Factors Associated with Vertical and Horizontal Job-Education Mismatches: Insights from University Graduates in Vietnam

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Factors Associated with Vertical and Horizontal Job-Education Mismatches: Insights from University Graduates in Vietnam
Language: English
Authors: Tuyen Quang Tran, Hoai Thu Thi Nguyen (ORCID 0000-0001-9379-1654), Ngoc Bich Thi Vu, Dao Van Le
Source: Evaluation Review. 2026 50(4):577-609.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 33
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, College Graduates, Education Work Relationship, Underemployment, Gender Differences, Salary Wage Differentials, Rural Urban Differences, Occupations, Intellectual Disciplines
Geographic Terms: Vietnam
DOI: 10.1177/0193841X251409287
ISSN: 0193-841X
1552-3926
Abstract: This study is the first to examine the factors influencing the likelihood of graduates in Vietnam experiencing vertical, horizontal, and full job mismatches. This study employs secondary data from the Labor Force Survey for 2018-2022. Using a multinomial logit model, we identify the key determinants of job mismatch, such as field of study, gender, job sector, and geographic location. Graduates in Education and Pedagogy exhibit a lower likelihood of mismatches than those in almost all other fields. We also observe gender differences, where men were more likely than women to experience all types of mismatches. Additionally, graduates employed in the private and foreign direct investment sectors face higher risks of vertical and full mismatches, whereas urban residents are less likely to experience mismatches than their rural counterparts. Finally, the findings from the doubly robust estimates reveal that a wage penalty is associated with vertical and full mismatches, particularly for women, whereas a horizontal mismatch has a minimal impact on wages.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1506160
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study is the first to examine the factors influencing the likelihood of graduates in Vietnam experiencing vertical, horizontal, and full job mismatches. This study employs secondary data from the Labor Force Survey for 2018-2022. Using a multinomial logit model, we identify the key determinants of job mismatch, such as field of study, gender, job sector, and geographic location. Graduates in Education and Pedagogy exhibit a lower likelihood of mismatches than those in almost all other fields. We also observe gender differences, where men were more likely than women to experience all types of mismatches. Additionally, graduates employed in the private and foreign direct investment sectors face higher risks of vertical and full mismatches, whereas urban residents are less likely to experience mismatches than their rural counterparts. Finally, the findings from the doubly robust estimates reveal that a wage penalty is associated with vertical and full mismatches, particularly for women, whereas a horizontal mismatch has a minimal impact on wages.
ISSN:0193-841X
1552-3926
DOI:10.1177/0193841X251409287