Commentary
Educational System Misaligned with Labor Demands
Hu Liren, an entrepreneur in Shanghai now residing in the United States, expressed concerns about China’s education system. He believes that the country’s educational landscape has evolved in a disconnected way, leading to many graduates struggling to find jobs related to their majors.
Mr. Hu suggested that the actual employment rate among Chinese college graduates may be lower than official reports indicate, citing personal experiences of friends’ children facing challenges in securing relevant jobs. He emphasized the mismatch between education and industry demands, with graduates often ending up in fields unrelated to their studies.
Based on his experience running a tech company, Mr. Hu highlighted the significant time and resources needed to train fresh graduates for independent work, noting that employers are increasingly hesitant to invest in training new hires. This preference for experienced workers exacerbates the job market challenges for recent graduates.
Shrinking Private Enterprise Sector
Guo Jun, editor-in-chief of The Epoch Times in Hong Kong, attributed the significant challenges facing college graduates in China to the shrinking private enterprise sector.
Shi Shan, a senior writer at The Epoch Times, observed a shift in employment preferences among Chinese youth towards seeking stable positions in civil service and public institutions, reflecting broader societal changes driven by diminishing economic opportunities.
‘Down to the Countryside Movement’
Mr. Shi highlighted the impact of parental status on career success in China, prompting many graduates to adopt a “lying flat” mindset due to perceived limited prospects and predetermined futures based on family background.
Mr. Hu noted a shift in aspirations among Chinese youth towards modest lifestyles and a return to hometowns after graduation, reflecting a change in societal views on economic prospects and future advancements.
Li Jun, an independent TV producer, discussed the historical “Down to the Countryside Movement” initiated by the CCP to address urban employment pressures, which influenced current perceptions of employment and social mobility among Chinese graduates.
With the ongoing challenges in contemporary urban employment, there is a growing interest in reviving a modern version of the Down to the Countryside Movement. This renewed interest is evident in CCP leader Xi Jinping’s encouragement to agricultural students and the advocacy for rural revitalization by various government ministries since May 4 of last year,” he said.
Mr. Li pointed out that in today’s digital age, new college graduates are aware that job opportunities are primarily concentrated in urban areas rather than rural areas, which often lack resources. As a result, few are likely to consider moving to rural areas in response to this call. Instead, Mr. Li suggested that “supporting the development of small and micro private enterprises, starting with street vendors, could be a key solution to the current employment challenges.”
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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