The Graduates
An insight into the aspirations and frustrations of China’s university graduates.
Filmmaker: Gao Song
Every year millions of Chinese students graduate from universities across the country, with numbers increasing. Despite the country’s booming economy, many of them have difficulties finding work. Fewer vacancies and more competition means that not everyone can be certain of finding a job, especially not a well-paid one.
Prior to final exams many universities organise job fairs for their soon-to-be graduates. Local companies are invited to speak about their employment opportunities.
Some of the students, especially the ones with families in financial difficulties are under great pressure – they must find a job. They are forced to accept low salaries in the hope that a better opportunity will come up at some point.
After graduating, some of the students take temporary jobs, while some hope internships will turn into permanent positions.
Sichuan University is the largest university in western China. We follow two graduates as they start looking for a job in one of China’s big cities, Chengdu, and by doing this try to find their place in society.
Li Yuchun, one of the graduates, says: “I have not been sleeping well for some time now. Thinking about the present and the future – I’m a little worried because I have not found a job yet. I don’t know what will happen to me after university.”