Career
MBA Career Perspectives: Chinese Foreign Graduates Tackle Challenges in Job Market
Last Updated on December 25, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes
Title: Chinese Students Abroad Struggle to Find Employment Opportunities Back Home
Word Count: 358
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Chinese students studying abroad often face significant challenges when trying to secure employment upon returning to China. Factors such as time differences, jet lag, and a competitive job market are proving to be major hurdles in their career pursuits.
The labor market in China experiences a “golden fall” recruitment period from September to the end of the year. This intensified competition for job opportunities makes it difficult for students like Emma Li, who have studied abroad, to find suitable positions.
Li, who has sent out a whopping 300 job applications to Chinese companies since August, has only managed to secure four interviews. The prevalence of in-person evaluations, as opposed to online interviews, has further limited her chances of making progress in the job hunt.
Moreover, the value of college degrees in China has diminished, with companies setting high thresholds for fresh graduates. With an estimated 11.79 million domestic graduates expected to enter the job market next year, the competition for employment is expected to grow even more fierce.
According to data from June, the jobless rate among individuals aged 16 to 24 in China reached 21.3%. This figure highlights the prevailing challenges faced by young Chinese graduates.
The tightening of immigration policies in countries like the US and UK has also limited the ability of international students to build local connections and gain relevant workplace experience, making it harder for them to secure employment in China after completing their studies abroad.
Despite these challenges, many Chinese students prefer to return to China for better career prospects and family connections. However, limited job prospects, stagnant salaries, and inflation remain major concerns for these individuals.
Postgraduate programs, like the one attended by Eva Tsai in the US, often do not offer optional practical training, making it even harder for students to find suitable employment opportunities after graduation.
As a result, a growing number of overseas graduates are now seeking stable jobs in state-owned companies and government institutions due to the uncertain nature of the private sector. A recent survey revealed that 38.8% of students with overseas degrees hope to work in state-owned enterprises in 2022, marking a 9% increase compared to 2021.
To foster this growing trend, local governments in China have expanded eligibility for civil servant trainee programs to graduates from overseas universities. Financial support and local connections through families also play a significant role in leading returning students to state-owned enterprises and government institutions.
Although some students, like Emma Li, would not have chosen to start their careers in China under different circumstances, they are determined to persevere. Despite the challenges, Li, and many others, will continue to search for job opportunities, ultimately settling for what they can find if necessary.