对话李燕萍：“考公热”深刻塑造一代年轻人

Group 1 - The number of candidates for the National Examination (国考) surpassed that of the Graduate Entrance Examination (考研) for the first time in history in 2026, with 371.8 million candidates for the National Examination compared to 343 million for the Graduate Entrance Examination, marking a significant shift in trends [1] - The National Examination has seen a rapid increase in candidates from 157.6 million in 2021 to 371.8 million in 2026, representing a growth rate of 235.9% [1] - The competition for the National Examination is intense, with a reported admission ratio of approximately 98:1, compared to a ratio of 3.2:1 for graduate studies [1] Group 2 - The phenomenon of "考公热" (the craze for civil service exams) is not indicative of young people losing their dreams but rather reflects a rational decision-making process in response to current employment pressures [2][3] - The long-term impact of the "考公热" may reshape career trajectories and influence the economic structure, as individuals face opportunity costs and potential career stagnation due to failed attempts at civil service exams [3][4] - The current employment pressure is characterized as a systemic anxiety affecting various demographics, leading to a chain reaction that exacerbates job scarcity and economic challenges [14] Group 3 - The definition of a "good job" has shifted from seeking growth opportunities to prioritizing job security, reflecting a broader change in societal values and economic conditions [6] - The increase in job postings does not correlate with the expectations of recent graduates, as many positions are concentrated in lower-tier roles, leading to a mismatch between job availability and graduate aspirations [7][9] - The current employment landscape is marked by a structural contradiction where the growth in job postings does not meet the expectations of graduates, resulting in a perception of difficulty in finding suitable employment [9][10] Group 4 - The decline in graduate school applications from 2024 to 2026 is attributed to an oversupply of master's graduates and a shift in employer expectations towards practical skills over academic credentials [16][17] - The competition for graduate programs remains intense at top-tier universities, while some less prestigious institutions face declining enrollment in certain fields [18] - The changing landscape of employment has led to a more pragmatic approach among students and parents regarding the value of graduate education, emphasizing the importance of skills and experience over mere academic qualifications [17][18]