How to stand out in the job market?

Students need to understand employers’ needs better to succeed in an increasingly competitive graduate job market, according to a new article by NUBS China professors Professor Martin Lockett and Dr Xuan Feng. The article in the European Foundation for Management Development’s magazine Global Focus identifies two ‘disconnects’: the first - between students’ views and those of employers, and the second - between the university curriculum and what employers value.

Most Chinese college students mistakenly think their degree name and grades are the ‘golden key’ to employment. They believe that high academic performance equals outstanding employability. In contrast employers value skills like ‘learning agility’ – how well graduates can learn new knowledge in new ways.

This disconnect is linked to the cultural atmosphere of China. In a collective hierarchical culture like China, students are told to learn what their teachers say and to follow their peers or the mainstream of society, rather than develop self-management and critical thinking. As a result, many Chinese graduates are not used to making decisions based on their own strengths and values and do not have clear personal plans for their career even after four years of study. So Chinese students take less initiative in personal career management compared with their Western counterparts.

There is a second disconnect between the curriculum in universities and what employers look for in new graduates. Both students and many faculty members concentrate on more depth in theoretical disciplines rather than the communication, teamwork and other soft skills that are sought by employers.

The article also made recommendations to students, universities and employers.

Students need to understand themselves better, not just focus on grades in academic courses, building awareness of their strengths and passions. They can build a "personal brand" to promote themselves beyond their degree studies as well as understand employer needs and industry trends to prepare for employment.

Universities need to integrate academics and professional services, providing students with an overall experience in their degree programme and extracurricular activities that builds professional skills. Courses on campus should help students understand the application of knowledge in a real business environment. Alumni can also give students consciousness of employment opportunities and challenges.

Employers need to clarify their hiring priorities and communicate them to students. They need to diversify their student engagement activities, such as actively participating in university course design, creating experiential learning opportunities that go beyond internships, publicise alumni as realistic role models and explain career progression paths. Chinese companies also need to build their "employer brand" to attract graduates who would otherwise look for international company jobs.

The research was based on interviews with 38 employers and over 100 students. It was conducted in NUBS China by Dr Xuan Feng (Director of Personal and Career Development), Dr Joon Park (Associate Professor in Organizational Behaviour) and Professor Martin Lockett, Dean of NUBS China.

Disclaimer: The authors of the article are solely responsible for the content.

Published on 18 November 2019

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