In recent years, the unemployment rate has increased due to the economic slowdown. The fact that many university graduates have difficulty finding employment has sparked an online debate about the cost and return of education, with many agreeing that education is a waste. .
The debate, supported by some data, has gained attention as many of the record 11.58 million young people who graduated from university last year face bleak job prospects.
Stories such as Zhejiang University Ph.D. holders delivering meals and university graduates and graduates returning from abroad selling hot pot ingredients have caused many to question the value of education. There is.
Furthermore, the fact that the number of applicants for the 2024 graduate school entrance exam has decreased by approximately 36,000, the first decrease in recent years, is fueling the discourse that “education is a waste.''
Is education really worthless? This question has resurfaced due to several factors, including the democratization of higher education, changing human resource demands due to socio-economic development and industrial transformation, and declining returns on investment in education.
The democratization of higher education has greatly increased the number of college graduates, diluting the value of college degrees. As the job market becomes more saturated with graduates, it is becoming clear that there is a surplus of average-skilled talent and a shortage of high-level talent, especially in fields such as the humanities. Masu.
For example, more than 900 educational institutions in China offer English majors, making it the most common degree program, but you should be fluent in English and well-versed in the differences between Chinese and foreign approaches to areas such as: There is a shortage of first-class human resources with relevant knowledge. International Relations and Journalism.
The perceived diminishing return on investment in education has given rise to the discourse that 'education is a waste'. Given the tough job market, many people believe that a college education does not guarantee any employment, let alone a decent job. Additionally, with the wide variety of economic opportunities available, there is increasing acceptance of the idea that one can be financially successful without formal education.
Given these developments, concerted efforts on multiple fronts are needed to change the situation. For example, universities should take steps to integrate education, research and industry, while at the same time strengthening cooperation with enterprises through customized talent development programs. To develop the talent that companies need, it is necessary to expand practical courses, invite industry experts to academia and organize regular skills training programs.
Additionally, connecting with external mentors with experience and industry knowledge can help college students better understand industry trends and needs, making them better prepared for the job market.
Furthermore, authorities need to pay more attention to vocational education, which is an important component of China's education system. Students, parents, and society should abandon their prejudices against vocational training. Because vocational training integrates education and career prospects throughout the learning process, providing targeted technical and practical training that allows students to hone their skills and grow. A job that will pay you in the future.
The government seeks to improve the status of vocational education through laws and policies, and the Vocational Education Act and the Education Act strengthen its role in the national education system. In fact, 22 universities were upgraded last year and vocational schools were promoted to undergraduate level, creating more employment opportunities for vocational school graduates.
To dispel the notion that “education is useless,” it is important to develop the right perspective on employment and career choices. People, especially students, need to understand the current employment landscape, their positioning, their strengths and weaknesses. College students must leverage educational resources to increase their professional knowledge and competitiveness, recognizing that a college degree is no longer the ticket to a job. And young people should approach vocational education with an open mind to make the most of what the job market has to offer.
The “education is waste” theory takes many forms and reflects a collective confusion over the perception that the return on investment in education is diminishing, but it does not negate learning itself. Education is not synonymous with making money, and a college degree does not guarantee financial success. The value of education is knowledge, which is necessary for making informed decisions not only in professional life, but also in society and other areas of life.
The author is an associate professor at Hubei University's School of Foreign Languages. The views do not necessarily represent those of China Daily.
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