Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the changing landscape of education in China, highlighting a shift in student preferences towards practical and employment-oriented choices rather than traditional prestigious institutions. This reflects a broader transformation in the education system amid a complex job market with a record number of graduates. Group 1: Changing Preferences in Education - High-scoring students are increasingly opting for less prestigious universities with better employment prospects over top-tier institutions with less favorable job outcomes [4][6][7] - The number of college graduates in China reached a record high of 12.22 million, leading to a complex employment situation for graduates [4][6] - The traditional view of prestigious universities as the primary path to success is being challenged as students and parents become more rational in their choices, focusing on the alignment of majors with job market demands [7][8] Group 2: Employment Market Dynamics - The employment market has undergone significant changes due to macroeconomic factors, affecting the job prospects of graduates in certain fields, particularly in industries like real estate and education [7][9] - The expansion of higher education has led to a situation where the supply of graduates exceeds demand, resulting in a decline in the return on investment for a university education [13][14][15] - The average salary of college graduates has decreased relative to the average salary in society, indicating a growing disparity in employment quality [16] Group 3: Skills and Education Reform - There is a pressing need for educational institutions to adapt their curricula to better prepare students for the evolving job market, emphasizing practical skills and interdisciplinary learning [10][11][27] - The importance of soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, is increasingly recognized as essential for employability in the modern workforce [28][33] - The article suggests that universities should focus on enhancing students' adaptability and lifelong learning capabilities to meet the demands of a rapidly changing job market [10][11][39] Group 4: Future Opportunities and Challenges - The rise of artificial intelligence and automation presents both challenges and opportunities for the job market, with predictions of job displacement in certain sectors but also the creation of new roles [30][32][34] - The aging population in China is expected to drive demand for jobs in the care industry, presenting new opportunities for graduates [24] - The article emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to employment policies that align with educational reforms to address structural employment issues [37][39]

Group 1 - The education landscape in China is undergoing significant changes, with students increasingly prioritizing employment prospects over prestigious institutions [1][2][3] - The number of college graduates in China has reached a record high of 12.22 million, leading to a complex employment situation for graduates [2][19] - There is a growing trend of students opting for vocational education and less prestigious universities that offer better job prospects [1][3][39] Group 2 - The traditional view of prestigious universities as a marker of success is being challenged, as students and parents become more rational in their choices [4][5] - The job market's structural issues are exacerbated by the oversupply of graduates, with many graduates lacking the skills required by employers [12][18] - The increasing focus on practical skills and adaptability in education is essential to meet the demands of a rapidly changing job market influenced by AI and automation [8][24][30] Group 3 - The employment landscape is characterized by three main challenges: increased supply of graduates, decreased employment elasticity, and intensified structural mismatches [19][20][21] - Opportunities exist in the form of skill-based restructuring of talent supply, digitalization, and the growth of the elder care industry [22][23] - The financial sector is experiencing a decline in job market attractiveness, with a mismatch between the skills of graduates and the demands of employers [26][27] Group 4 - The need for educational reform is critical, with a focus on integrating practical skills training and soft skills development to enhance employability [40] - The current labor market is influenced by macroeconomic factors, with a need for policies that support job creation and address structural employment issues [36][38] - The future of higher education in China may face challenges if reforms are not implemented, potentially leading to a decline in enrollment and institutional viability [40][41]