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Students, stop wasting time and get a job!

By Zhang Ling (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-01-13 09:08

Each year, millions of college students face the awkward question of whether to land a job or go straight into a graduate school.

Now is the time of the postgraduate entrance exam. It is reported that this year 1.4 million candidates took part in the exam, a 13 percent increase from last year. Postgraduate entrance exam has become the second largest in China, following the national college entrance examination.

I wonder why so many people flock to the exams. How many of these students truly want to do further research in their subject? And are graduates lacking in qualifications to get jobs, compared with postgraduates?

A survey shows that millions of students prefer to pursue study to avoid the tightening job market and to meet demand of higher degrees in China's job market.

It's worth adding that this generation of college students belong to the so-called "baby boomers" group. Fierce competition has surrounded them since childhood.

But test takers should also realize that aimless study might achieve little else but delay their entry into society. Keep in mind too that they will be obliged to pay expensive tuition fees.

Instead, why not focus on taking little steps such as finding an entry-level position in your target company or industry. This would get you started in your desired career. After a few years of work, attending relevant courses may better serve professional growth.

I am not suggesting all students find jobs and give up ideas of further education.

But learning should be a life-long affair and a fabulous experience. It is time to break out of the campus approach to study and set some clear goals first.