Jiang Falin is a finance major from China's top college, Peking University. Like other seniors from that university, he has been looking for a job since late last year. He knows what he wants to do, but is having trouble getting a look－in.

"I hope I can work in the finance or consulting sectors, so I sent my resume to those types of companies. But I can hardly get an interview, let alone a job offer," said Jiang Falin.

The huge gap between reality and his ideal has prompted Jiang Falin to lower his expectations. A couple of months ago, he read a recruitment notice on the university's website. The employer, from a city in Central China, offered a grass－roots civil servant position for college graduates. After several rounds of interviews, Jiang Falin decided to accept the job offer.

"Generally, we tend to look for positions in big cities, like Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. But it's so hard to get one. Now I've realized that other cities are more in need of college graduates," said Jiang Falin.

Jiang Falin's story is typical of college graduates looking for jobs this year. The director of the Peking University Employment Guiding Center says China will have more than 2 million graduates in 2003. That's 45 percent more than last year and means competition among college graduates is greater than in any previous year. But the number of job vacancies is much lower than last year.

In the past decade, the state shouldered the responsibility of providing jobs to college graduates. Most of the desirable positions were connected with governmental agencies or state－owned enterprises. But with the government's （lasting） reform of its structures, the bankruptcy of many SOEs, and the increasing number of private and foreign firms, students these days are encouraged to look for jobs by themselves.

Facing a tough job market, some students are starting to refine their search, and broaden their outlook, to match their personal skills with the market's needs.

"There are too many uncertainties in big cities. If I can get a good job in a small place, I will be more than pleased to work there. I might play a more important role there compared to big cities," said a student.

For some students, high wages and liberal benefits are not the only criteria for a good job. They believe a wider scope for personal development is equally important. This student with a master degree in computer science chose to work for a company in Tibet.

"Many factors persuaded me to work there. Our country's ambition to develop the west provides a wonderful stage for youngsters like me. Besides, I can have a comparatively longer paid leave in Tibet. It suits my personal interest in travel," said Li Xianrui, Peking University student.

The gloomy job market sounds a warning－bell for this year's college graduates and those who come after. A decent academic diploma is not in itself a passport to an ideal job. College graduates have to exert themselves in the job－hunting process, be prepared to work in smaller private companies, and be prepared to compromise.

(CCTV June 9, 2003)