The number of applicants for the 2024 graduate school entrance examination has decreased by 360,000 compared to last year, which is the first decline in recent years. In addition to the diversion caused by the increase in the number of applicants for the postgraduate entrance examination and the national examination, there is also a possibility that some candidates realize that they do not need to go to graduate school, so they give up the idea of going to graduate school. This also avoided the embarrassing situation of the girl in Xiangtan, Hunan: after being admitted to graduate school with the crowd, she found that she was not suitable for studying.
In addition, we need to pay attention to new trends in career development. In the past, postgraduate entrance examinations have been regarded as an effective way to enhance their employability, so many people choose to study for graduate school to increase their academic background. But now, as the job market changes and industry needs adjust, more and more companies are focusing more on practical skills and practical experience rather than just academic qualifications. The postgraduate entrance examination is only a symbol of academic qualifications, and it does not guarantee a person's comprehensive ability and practical experience. As a result, some people may realize that graduate school is not necessary for their personal development, and they may give up on their plans to go to graduate school.
Postgraduate education has always been seen as a continuation of academic training with higher academic standards and more specialization, but in reality, not all graduate students are able to perform their due role. After graduation, many graduate students do not engage in scientific research in related majors, but choose positions that are completely inconsistent with their majors, such as urban management, security, etc. This phenomenon is especially obvious in the education industry, many primary and secondary schools have begun to recruit graduate teachers, but in fact, for general subject teachers, graduate students do not have obvious educational and teaching ability advantages, and there is little difference compared with undergraduate or even junior college students.
This phenomenon illustrates the problem that many people go to graduate school just for a degree, rather than for a real academic pursuit. They don't care about the content of Xi and the professional skills they practice, they just want to improve their employability through graduate school. This model of graduate education, which does not meet the actual needs of individuals and professional development, is a waste of personal time and social resources.
In order to change the status quo of graduate education, it is not enough to rely on the candidates' personal understanding and choice, but also need the guidance of relevant parties. First of all, employers should change their recruitment conditions, not only taking academic qualifications as the only criterion, but also paying attention to the actual ability and practical experience of individuals. In this way, candidates can truly be guided to choose a path suitable for their own development, rather than blindly pursuing the increase of academic qualifications.
Second, colleges and universities need to reform graduate education, strengthen professional guidance for students, provide students with more practical opportunities and scientific research projects, and cultivate students' professional ability and innovative spirit. At the same time, universities should also increase their support for the academic development of graduate students, and provide more development opportunities and resources for students with scientific research ability and pursuit.
Finally, individuals should also have the ability to make their own choices and judgments, and not blindly follow the herd and go to graduate school just for the sake of a degree. It is necessary to have an in-depth understanding of your interests and development directions, weigh your strengths and weaknesses, and choose a career path that suits you. Only in this way can the true value of postgraduate education and individual self-realization be realized.
The reason for the decline in graduate student enrollment may be due to a combination of factors. From changes in career development needs to questions about the graduate education model and job market, it is leading people to re-examine the meaning and value of postgraduate entrance examinations. Personally, I strongly believe that everyone should choose whether or not to go to graduate school based on their own circumstances and career goals. Only by truly recognizing one's own needs and interests can one realize one's personal value and achievement on the path of career development. Don't blindly follow the herd, and don't feel lost because of other people's choices, the key is to find a path that suits you and work hard for it.