Graduates innovate to find work amid pandemic

Educated young people are widening the scope of their job searches. Cao Chen reports from Shanghai.

Despite recently entering a tough job market amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Zhao Heng already has everything an ambitious university graduate could want: an ideal career that he loves.

The journalism graduate from Shanghai International Studies University has been busy preparing his startup, which offers extracurricular tuition in several subjects, including math and English, to middle school students.

Having made his career choice in August last year, the 22-year-old did everything he could to ensure it would happen－such as renting space, registering the business and overseeing the interior design.

He obtained a primary and middle school teacher's certificate last year, but he has taught more than 60 middle school students part time during the past four years.

"I love imparting knowledge to others in a fun way they can understand," said Zhao, who designs customized teaching approaches based on each student's learning style and pace.

As the pandemic has slowed his career progression, Zhao has thought about ways to overcome the obstacles.

"I offered free online courses to students to stay connected with them and thought over my career development calmly during the lockdown," he said.

Now, decoration of his teaching space is back on track and Zhao is working hard to enroll students.

"I am still confident about my career, because it's what I love," he said.

China will see 8.74 million college graduates this year, a rise of 400,000 from last year, but the economic situation has undermined the ability of many businesses to employ them.

In response, many graduates have found employment by expanding their future options with a high level of flexibility, based on interests and experience.