COVID-19 makes life tough for job hunters

Learning the language of success

Editor's Note: This summer, many new college graduates will be looking for work against the backdrop of millions of applicants and the epidemic, both of which will make the task more difficult. Below, China Daily speaks with three young people who are just about to enter the world of employment to learn about their lives, ambitions and concerns.

Cheng Feifei, a 22-year-old student who is deaf, plans to continue learning sign language when she finishes her bachelor's this month because the COVID-19 epidemic has hit the job market hard.

Set to graduate from the Special Education College of Beijing Union University later this month, Cheng is currently on an internship program with Microsoft. She feels grateful because none of her colleagues has commented on her disability or her work.

"In August last year, I was seeking an internship when I heard that Microsoft was looking for a hearing-impaired intern to work in a computer-related post. Despite that, I thought there was little chance that I would get the opportunity as I major in visual design," she said.

"However, the company invited me for an interview after my teacher recommended me to their human resources department. I remember that I went to the interview in September and was offered the internship the day after the interview." She said her work involves designing posts for the company on social media and helping organize a number of activities. "I've also been invited to teach the company staff members sign language every Friday," she added.

She said she loves her internship and the working environment because of the feeling of diversity and inclusiveness.

"I get an allowance of 2,000 yuan ($300) per month from the company. Even though it's not a big sum, it covers my basic expenses because I still live in the school dormitory," she said.

"My internship finishes on Thursday. I'm sad that I can't become a full member of staff because the program is only open to interns. I've followed recruitment information on various platforms for some time, and I'm also preparing for the postgraduate entrance exam at the same time. In fact, I have sent resumes to companies in Shanghai and did their online interviews but have received no further replies."