In recent years, the phrase “graduation equals unemployment” has become a hot topic among Chinese college students. According to official data, the number of college graduates in China reached a record-high of 11.79 million in 2024. Meanwhile, many young people have been posting on social media about submitting hundreds of job applications without receiving a single offer. This growing anxiety begs the question: Are Chinese college students really unemployed as soon as they graduate?

The Reality Behind the Numbers

Data from the Ministry of Education shows that while the overall employment situation for graduates in 2024 is “stable with concerns,” the pressure is mounting. On one hand, the number of graduates keeps rising; on the other, the number of suitable job openings—especially for those from non-elite universities—has not increased at the same pace. A report from Zhaopin, a major recruitment platform, reveals that over 35% of new graduates were still without a formal job three months after graduation—significantly higher than previous years.

However, “graduation equals unemployment” doesn’t mean they are completely unable to find jobs. Rather, it reflects a temporary difficulty in employment or a mismatch between expectations and reality. Many graduates prefer to wait for better opportunities than accept jobs with low pay or limited development prospects, contributing to a rise in “structural unemployment.”

Why Is It Getting Harder to Find a Job?

1. “Diploma Inflation”
‎A university degree is no longer a rare advantage. While it used to guarantee employment, today only those with higher degrees—such as a master’s or overseas credentials—enjoy a competitive edge. Employers increasingly favor candidates with advanced qualifications, making it harder for bachelor's degree holders to stand out.

2. Shifting Industry Landscape
‎In the past, booming sectors like internet tech, e-commerce, and real estate absorbed a large number of graduates. In recent years, however, many of these industries have reached saturation or are downsizing. Tech giants, once seen as “golden employers,” are reducing their hiring, making top jobs harder to land.

3. The Civil Service Craze
‎Faced with economic uncertainty, more and more students are turning to the “iron rice bowl” path: civil service exams, teaching, state-owned enterprises, and postgraduate entrance exams. But these routes are extremely competitive, and many students end up “quitting to study full-time,” delaying their entry into the workforce.

4. Skill Mismatch
‎Some students major in fields that are poorly aligned with market demand, particularly in niche or humanities disciplines. Companies are looking for “job-ready” candidates who can solve real-world problems, but many students lack hands-on experience or practical skills.

Employment Pressure: A Multifaceted Reflection

It’s worth noting that the employment dilemma isn’t solely a societal issue—it’s also closely tied to students’ expectations. Many set their sights on large cities, prestigious employers, or high salaries, while overlooking small and medium-sized enterprises or grassroots jobs.

Moreover, the rise of “slow employment” and “flexible employment” has blurred the traditional definition of employment. Increasing numbers of graduates are choosing freelance work, social media entrepreneurship, or temporary gigs. While not officially “employed” by conventional standards, they are not truly unemployed either.

Solutions Require Effort from Universities, Government, and Individuals

1. Universities Must Align with Market Needs
‎Colleges should strengthen ties with businesses, promote industry-education integration, and offer more practical training. They also need to adjust their program offerings to reduce the output of oversaturated or low-demand majors, encouraging students to learn in-demand skills.

2. Targeted Government Support
‎In recent years, the government has introduced policies to support graduate employment, including tax incentives, entrepreneurship programs, and subsidies for rural or grassroots work. Moving forward, more internship opportunities, vocational training, and personalized career services should be provided.

3. Students Must Adjust Their Mindset
‎Instead of holding out for the “perfect job,” graduates should consider “employment first, then career planning.” Early-stage experience is often more valuable than a high starting salary. Maintaining a learning mindset and continually improving one’s skills is key to staying competitive in a shifting job market.

Conclusion: Not Jobless, But in a Period of Transition

The idea of “graduation equals unemployment” is a reflection of widespread anxiety—but also a signal of structural transition. China’s economy is shifting from high-speed to high-quality growth, and the labor market is undergoing a parallel transformation. For college graduates, the current situation may be tough, but it’s far from hopeless. Those who analyze the situation clearly, embrace change proactively, and adapt their strategies will be more likely to navigate the fog and find their own path forward.