Group 1 - The article discusses the dilemma faced by students during college major selection, weighing personal interest against job market prospects [3][4] - It highlights the phenomenon of "revived majors," where previously unpopular fields gain relevance due to changing industry demands and technological advancements [5][6] - The narrative includes personal stories from graduates of these revived majors, providing insights into their career paths and the evolving job market [8] Group 2 - The first graduate transitioned from a popular economics major to a microelectronics program, which was initially considered a niche field but later became highly sought after due to the tech boom [10][15] - The second graduate pursued archaeology, a field that was once underappreciated but gained attention due to cultural programs and increased public interest in heritage [21][25] - The third graduate, who studied materials chemistry, found that the job market was not aligned with their education, leading to a shift towards electronic circuit development, which is currently experiencing growth due to AI demands [29][34] - The final graduate, who studied law, reflects on the competitive nature of the legal profession and the importance of understanding personal motivations and market realities before choosing this path [40][46]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolving landscape of academic majors in China, highlighting how previously unpopular fields can become desirable due to changing societal needs and technological advancements [4][5]. Group 1: Changing Perceptions of Majors - Certain majors that were once considered "dead-end" or "trap" professions may gain popularity as industries evolve and new opportunities arise [4][5]. - The article emphasizes that the perception of a major's value is often influenced by societal trends and technological developments, making it difficult to predict which fields will thrive [4][5]. Group 2: Individual Experiences - The article features interviews with graduates from "revived majors," showcasing their educational and career paths as reflections of changing industry demands [5]. - For instance, a graduate who transitioned from economics to microelectronics found that the demand for chip engineers surged due to the rise of mobile internet and IoT technologies [13][14]. - Another graduate in archaeology noted a resurgence in interest in cultural heritage, leading to increased enrollment and job opportunities in the field [18][21]. Group 3: Industry Trends - The microelectronics industry experienced a boom from 2014 to 2020, driven by technological advancements, but is now facing oversupply as the market shifts towards software-driven innovations [13][14]. - The materials science sector has seen a growing demand due to the intersection with AI and clean energy technologies, with companies reporting profit increases of 10% to 30% annually [27][28]. - The legal profession is highlighted as increasingly competitive, with a significant portion of opportunities concentrated among a small number of practitioners, emphasizing the need for prospective students to understand the industry's dynamics [37].

Group 1 - The overall employment quality of all majors is declining, with a significant increase in the number of graduates expected in 2025, leading to a saturated job market [2] - Law students have a relatively stable mindset due to lower expectations and a lack of downward mobility in salary, which contributes to better mental health among them [2][3] - The law profession offers a notable advantage in public sector job opportunities, especially during economic downturns when fewer individuals are willing to return to their hometowns to take civil service exams [3] Group 2 - The perception that engineering graduates have better employment prospects than liberal arts graduates is challenged, as the actual job market for engineering may not be as favorable as commonly believed [4][5] - The gap between employment quality for liberal arts and engineering graduates is narrowing due to a reduction in available positions across all fields, making it difficult for even the most qualified candidates to secure jobs [5] - The ability of liberal arts graduates to articulate and express themselves may contribute to a misunderstanding of their employment potential, leading to an underestimation of their capabilities [5]