Key facts
- Chinese college graduates are increasingly moving to advanced manufacturing and modern services.
- There is a notable shift away from top-tier cities towards prefecture-level and lower-tier urban centers.
- Over 60% of graduates now head to lower-tier cities, with the share in major cities declining.
- Engineering fields, especially those related to AI, advanced manufacturing, and energy transition, are seeing high demand.
- Flexible employment options have grown, with digital tools aiding this trend.
- Government policies and incentives are encouraging graduates to seek employment in their hometowns and less competitive regions.
Chinese college graduates are increasingly relocating to smaller cities as industrial investment shifts away from top-tier urban centers, according to a report by education consultancy MyCOS. The trend sees graduates moving into advanced manufacturing and modern services, with a notable decline in employment in IT and finance sectors.
The report indicates that over 60% of graduates now choose lower-tier cities for employment, a rise from previous years, while the proportion seeking jobs in major cities has decreased. This shift is attributed to the relocation of industries, particularly in electronics, equipment, and new energy sectors, to smaller urban areas.
Engineering disciplines, especially those aligned with AI, advanced manufacturing, and the energy transition, are experiencing high demand. Majors such as electrical engineering, microelectronics, automation, energy, and vehicle engineering are highlighted as having strong employment prospects. Flexible employment, including freelance and part-time work, has also seen an increase, facilitated by digital tools.
Furthermore, government policies and incentives are encouraging graduates to return to their hometowns and seek employment in central and western regions, as well as county-level areas. This is partly driven by intensifying competition in major cities and the appeal of lower living costs and less financial pressure in smaller locales. The economic development of county-level regions is also creating more opportunities closer to home.