Zhang Xuefeng said that the liberal arts are all waiters, what are your shortcomings as a teacher?
On December 9, 2023, Zhang Xuefeng, a well-known Internet celebrity teacher, responded to a female college student's request for help in a live broadcast. The female college student said that she graduated from three colleges and universities majoring in English, and is now engaged in administrative front desk work, but she is not satisfied with her job and wants to go to graduate school to improve her academic qualifications, but she does not want to learn English anymore.
In response, Zhang Xuefeng said that it is difficult for liberal arts graduates to find employment, and if they do not want to work in education, they can only engage in the service industry. He also said that liberal arts students don't like endorsements, but in the real world, many jobs require endorsements, so liberal arts students are at a disadvantage when it comes to employment.
As soon as Zhang Xuefeng's remarks came out, they immediately sparked heated discussions among netizens. Some netizens believe that Zhang Xuefeng's remarks are too extreme, and liberal arts graduates also have many outstanding talents, so they should not be generalized. Some netizens also believe that Zhang Xuefeng's remarks have a certain amount of truth, and liberal arts graduates do face certain challenges when they are employed.
As a teacher, are Zhang Xuefeng's remarks appropriate?
First of all, are Zhang Xuefeng's remarks objective?
Objectively, liberal arts graduates do face certain challenges when it comes to employment. Graduates majoring in liberal arts are usually mainly in language, literature, and history, and graduates of such majors often need to have strong language skills, writing skills, and interpersonal communication skills when they are employed. However, in today's competitive social environment, these abilities do not guarantee that liberal arts students will get a good job.
Second, does Zhang Xuefeng's remarks respect students?
From the point of view of respecting students, Zhang Xuefeng's remarks are obviously inappropriate. His generalization of liberal arts graduates as they can only work in the service industry is undoubtedly a disparagement of students' abilities. As a teacher, Zhang Xuefeng should encourage students to build self-confidence and help them find the right career direction for them.
Third, does Zhang Xuefeng's remarks help students grow?
From the perspective of helping students grow, Zhang Xuefeng's remarks are not necessarily beneficial. His remarks may create an inferiority complex in students and affect their career plans. As a teacher, Zhang Xuefeng should provide more positive guidance to students and help them establish a correct professional concept.
All in all, Zhang Xuefeng's remarks have both a certain degree of truth and a certain degree of extremeism. As a teacher, he should be more cautious about what he says to avoid causing bad effects on students.
How to be better employed for liberal arts graduates?
For liberal arts graduates, when it comes to employment, they can start from the following aspects:
Enhance your professional skills
Liberal arts graduates can improve their professional skills by obtaining relevant vocational qualifications. In this way, you will be able to increase your competitiveness when applying for a job.
Broaden employment ideas
Liberal arts graduates don't have to be confined to traditional clerical jobs. You can try interdisciplinary employment or start a business.
Strengthen practical exercises
Practical exercises are an important way to test knowledge and skills. Graduates majoring in liberal arts can accumulate practical experience and improve their comprehensive quality by participating in practical Xi and part-time jobs.
It is hoped that liberal arts graduates will be able to build on their strengths and avoid their weaknesses and succeed in employment.