China's expectations for university students' employment outlook: A qualitative analysis based on employment policy documents

• Main Authors: Zhang, Ziran, Hasan, Ahmad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Global Academic Excellence (GAE) 2024
• Subjects: H Social Sciences (General); HT Communities. Classes. Races
• Online Access: http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/43484/1/China%27s%20expectations%20for%20university%20students%27%20employment%20outlook%20A%20qualitative%20analysis%20based%20on%20employment%20policy%20documents.pdf; http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/43484/; https://gaexcellence.com/ijlgc/article/view/4535

This study examines the influence of China's employment policies on university graduates' attitudes and career expectations. As a key part of the workforce, graduates' views on employment affect both individual career paths and social stability. Amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution, high-quality development demands, and challenges like the U.S.-China trade war, COVID-19, and demographic shifts, graduates in China face growing employment pressures. In response, the government has introduced policies to reduce these pressures and promote high-quality employment. Through a qualitative analysis of 13 policy documents from 2015 to 2023, this research explores what are China government and society's expectations to graduates’ employment. The analysis identifies four central themes: career direction, industry alignment, regional guidance, and employer type. The findings highlight a focus on value orientation, grassroots employment, and diverse career paths, urging graduates to combine personal goals with national development, seeking grassroots jobs, and exploring new economic opportunities.