Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the changing landscape of higher education and employment choices for graduates in China, highlighting a shift from traditional degree-focused paths to a greater emphasis on practical skills and immediate job market needs due to the rise of AI and increased competition in the job market [3][4]. Group 1: Trends in Higher Education - The report indicates that the expectation of returns from further education is declining, with a notable example being that for the 2019 undergraduate cohort, those who pursued graduate studies earned an average of 1001 yuan more per month after five years compared to those who did not [4]. - The overall cost-effectiveness of pursuing a graduate degree is decreasing when considering time, tuition, living expenses, and opportunity costs associated with delayed employment [5]. - There is a growing trend of undergraduates opting for "technical retraining" to enhance their employability, with vocational schools increasingly catering to this demographic [5][6]. Group 2: Vocational Education and Market Demand - The mismatch between higher education outputs and job market demands is prompting more graduates to return to vocational training, indicating a need for universities to adapt their curricula to better align with market needs [6]. - The establishment of vocational bachelor's programs is on the rise, with the number of such institutions reaching 94, reflecting a shift towards producing graduates with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills [7]. - Some vocational institutions are experiencing increased competitiveness, with admission scores rising significantly, indicating a shift in student preferences towards these programs due to perceived better job prospects [7].
大学生毕业去向出现两大变化
第一财经·2026-01-05 10:22