Recently, LinkedIn Talent Insights released the "2022 Chinese Students Returning Home Employment Insight Report."
Using the latest data, the report analyzes the job choices of Chinese students after studying abroad amid global business and employment instability caused by the pandemic.
According to the data, the number of Chinese students returning home after graduation has surged. In 2020, the number of returning Chinese students increased by 33.9% year-on-year to 777,000, a growth rate nearly three times that of 2019, and the upward trend continued in 2021.
The number of returning students in 2021 is expected to surpass one million for the first time, reaching 1.049 million, a year-on-year increase of 35.01%.
Significantly Strengthened Trend of Chinese Students Returning Home
Undoubtedly, the pandemic and policy factors have led Chinese students to increasingly prefer returning home for employment. With the rise of China's technological strength and growing international influence, many students also opt to develop their careers back home after graduation. The return of Chinese students also accelerates the internationalization of Chinese enterprises.
The chart clearly shows that from 2019 to 2020, the number of returning students increased significantly, and from 2020 to 2021, it remained high.
The report presents the reasons why Chinese students choose to return for employment, with family being the most important factor, followed by cultural factors and safety/stability considerations.
Most Students Confident About Returning for Employment
According to the data, as the willingness to return grows, 64% of surveyed Chinese students believe that returning gives them a clear advantage in job hunting, and 57% are confident about seeking employment back home.
However, some respondents are less confident: 37% expressed uncertainty, and 23% reported feeling anxious about returning for employment.
Among them, doctoral degree holders are the most confident (29%) and show the lowest levels of anxiety and confusion. Master's and bachelor's degree holders exhibit similar levels of confidence.
By study destination, UK-educated students are the most confident about returning, with the lowest proportion expressing anxiety. Australia follows at 64% and the US at 63%.
Salary and Benefits Become Key Concerns
The report notes that the main anxieties for returning students center on unsatisfactory salary and benefits, difficulties finding ideal jobs, and concerns about adapting to the domestic workplace environment.
Data shows that returning students have high salary expectations, but there is no significant difference by degree level. Over 30% expect a monthly salary of RMB 25,000.
In addition to salary, career development and advancement opportunities, job stability, and work environment are also core concerns for Chinese returnees.
The survey shows that 71% of returnees prefer foreign-invested enterprises. Compared with domestic graduates, overseas-educated students generally have stronger foreign language skills, overseas study and work experience, adaptability to overseas work environments, cross-cultural understanding, and a broader global perspective.
Regarding preferred job locations, 82% of returnees favor first-tier cities. 46% prefer East China (Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Anhui); 26% prefer South China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Hainan); and 22% prefer North China (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Shandong).
Technology and Finance Remain Most Popular Industries
Report data shows that the top three intended industries for returnees are high-tech/internet, financial services & insurance, and government/education/non-profit.
High-tech/internet and financial services/insurance have traditionally been popular fields for overseas study, but uncertainties like the pandemic have also led some students to seek stability in government and non-profit sectors.
Tech R&D, analytics/data, and management trainee positions remain popular roles. Influenced by the pandemic, the biopharmaceutical industry is emerging as a hot sector, with the proportion of students choosing it rising sharply from 1% in 2020 to 7% in 2022; meanwhile, interest in the new energy industry is declining.
Increasing Talent Policy Incentives
The growing inclination to return is driven partly by the pandemic and partly by domestic policy support for returning students.
Following the principle of 'support overseas study, encourage return, ensure free movement, and give full play to talent,' major cities and popular provinces have introduced various preferential policies to attract overseas talent.
There is no denying the advantages of returning, but due to the pandemic, the job market remains extremely competitive.
Although academic qualifications are no longer the sole hiring criterion, a degree remains the stepping stone to enter the professional circle and a valid testament to a candidate’s past abilities.
Beyond solid professional knowledge and skills, the overseas experience and multicultural background of returnees are also clear advantages in recruitment. For returning students, the key is how to continuously leverage these strengths.
The new year has begun. Students planning to study abroad should start planning soon. We wish everyone success in receiving offers from their dream schools and achieving their career aspirations!
Main news source: LinkedIn
