大学生毕业去向出现两大变化，越来越多大学生选择“技术回炉”

Core Viewpoint - The traditional path of pursuing higher education for better job prospects is being disrupted, with a decline in the perceived benefits of further education and an increased focus on practical skills training to meet employment demands [2][3]. Group 1: Changes in Higher Education and Employment Choices - The report from the McKinsey Research Institute indicates that the competition strategy based on academic qualifications is being broken, leading to a shift in the career paths of undergraduate students [2]. - There is a notable decline in the expected benefits of pursuing further education, as evidenced by the 2019 cohort of undergraduate graduates, where those who pursued a master's degree earned an average of 1,001 yuan more per month than those who did not, indicating a diminishing return on investment for further education when considering costs and opportunity costs [3]. - The expansion of graduate education and the increasing number of students pursuing master's degrees have raised the educational threshold for job seekers, while AI is automating many tasks that previously required specialized training, thus lowering the technical barriers to entry in the job market [2][3]. Group 2: Shift Towards Vocational Training - Many undergraduate students are now considering vocational training as part of their career planning, with an increase in the number of students enrolling in technical schools, such as the 30 students in 2024 at Taiyuan Wantong Vocational Skills School, up from 10 in 2023 [4]. - The mismatch between higher education institutions and job market demands is prompting more students to return to vocational schools, highlighting the need for universities to adapt and develop applied programs that align with market needs [4]. - The rise of vocational bachelor's programs, initiated by the government in 2019, has led to an increase in the number of vocational colleges, with the total reaching 94 by 2025, reflecting a growing preference for institutions that offer both academic and practical skills [5][6]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape of Vocational Colleges - Vocational colleges are becoming increasingly popular among students and parents, with some institutions achieving admission scores comparable to top-tier universities, indicating a shift in perception regarding vocational education [5]. - For instance, Shenzhen Vocational and Technical University has seen a significant increase in high-scoring applicants, with 10 students scoring over 600 points in physics, reflecting the rising quality of student enrollment [5]. - The competitive nature of vocational colleges is attributed to their established programs and favorable employment prospects, leading to higher admission scores as a rational choice by students [6].