Recently, Zhao Zhong, Dean of the School of Labor and Human Resources, was interviewed by a reporter from China Education Television to share his insights on high-quality employment.

Reporter: Recently, the "24 Measures to Promote High-Quality and Sufficient Employment" was released, which many consider a significant document. Could you elaborate on the main aspects that make this document so important?

Zhao Zhong: I believe the significance of this document can be understood in three key areas. First, it was jointly issued by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, demonstrating the country’s strong commitment to high-quality and sufficient employment. Second, the document emphasizes not just sufficient employment but also the importance of quality in employment, marking "high-quality" as a crucial dimension. Lastly, it highlights the coordination between socioeconomic development and high-quality employment, particularly through the requirement of employment evaluations for major projects, productivity layouts, and policies.

Reporter: University graduates are a key demographic for employment and have long been a priority in employment policies. From an educational perspective, what specific policies within this series directly impact university graduates?

Zhao Zhong: At least two aspects of these policies are closely related to university graduates. Firstly, the document identifies certain priority groups for employment, including university graduates, marking them as a key focus area. Secondly, the main challenge in current employment is the structural mismatch, which requires better alignment between educational outcomes and market needs. University graduates play a crucial role in bridging this gap.

Reporter: The document outlines solutions like enhancing the alignment between educational supply and talent demand, establishing a lifelong vocational skills training system, and expanding career paths for skilled workers. In simple terms, this refers to situations where "some people have no jobs, and some jobs have no people." How can we resolve this conflict, and in which fields does this issue typically arise?

Zhao Zhong: This is a critical question and reflects the main employment dilemma in China today. Both employers and the workforce evolve with time and context. For example, as companies undergo transformations, they require new skill sets and knowledge structures. If the workforce’s skills don’t adapt accordingly, structural mismatches emerge.

This mismatch is evident in several areas: First, during industrial upgrades, particularly in manufacturing, some positions may disappear, while newly created jobs demand skill sets that the current labor force may not yet possess. Second, younger workers entering the market may lack experience and clarity about their career paths, further exacerbating structural mismatches. Lastly, technological advancements create new roles and phase out old ones, which, without adequate reskilling, leads to mismatched skills in the labor market.

Reporter: Implementing a red-yellow card alert system for low-employability fields can have delays. How can students in fields with limited employment prospects or lower job quality overcome these challenges?

Zhao Zhong: Education is a long-term process and requires time to adjust. In the meantime, curriculum content can be updated. The knowledge and skills developed through education should include both general human capital and specialized skills for specific industries. Schools should emphasize general knowledge, specialized skills, and self-directed learning to prepare students for market changes, enabling them to self-improve based on their capabilities.

Reporter: Career education should occur in two stages: one during high school and another in university or advanced studies. What are your suggestions for building career awareness at the high school level?

Zhao Zhong: High school students should be introduced to a variety of careers, as many students and parents are not fully aware of the connections between fields of study and careers. Without an understanding of career options, it’s hard to make informed decisions. Therefore, the key is to impart basic knowledge about various professions to high school students, requiring dedicated teachers and tailored textbooks in this field.

Reporter: From a university standpoint, how can institutions assist students?

Zhao Zhong: Transitioning from student life to the workforce is challenging. Many students may be unsure how to job hunt, gather information, or write resumes. Once employed, they might lack an understanding of the skills required for their jobs or knowledge about career progression. Universities should provide specialized teams for career training and guidance.

These teams can take different forms. For instance, universities could form alliances to share resources, and the government could provide support, allowing schools to purchase external career services if they lack the resources to build in-house teams.

Reporter: How should we guide or encourage graduates to work in small businesses, grassroots roles, or less popular sectors?

Zhao Zhong: First, policy support is essential. Encouraging graduates to take on roles in small businesses or grassroots positions requires adequate measures to ensure policy effectiveness.

Second, we need to strengthen the link between vocational education and career development. With the massification of higher education, the highly educated workforce is growing, so graduates’ job expectations and perceptions need to adjust accordingly.

Third, the policy also highlights the importance of career pathways. Graduates may be more willing to work in grassroots or small business roles if a clear career path is available. Ultimately, improving the appeal of these roles is essential.

Reporter: This document sets a goal to facilitate reasonable wage growth and specifically mentions subsidies for flexible employment among university graduates who are unemployed two years post-graduation. How should this policy be implemented effectively?

Zhao Zhong: Graduates face various employment forms, from fixed jobs to entrepreneurship and flexible employment. Their social security burden may vary depending on employment type. This policy, by providing insurance subsidies, aims to balance the burden for recent graduates across different employment forms. It serves as a safety net, ensuring they can enter the workforce without worries.