One reason for the sudden decline in the number of graduate students may be the popularity and increased competition for graduate education. In the past 90s, graduate students were almost a scarce resource, which can be said to be fragrant, because only those who obtained a graduate degree had the opportunity to be a senior cadre at or above the deputy department level in the unit. However, as time went on, graduate education became more widespread, and more and more people chose to pursue a graduate degree. Today, graduate school graduates abound, and they are faced with the reality of competing with others, no longer choosing a career but competing with others. At the same time, most jobs are no longer only about academic qualifications, but also about experience. Competing for a position with someone with three years of work experience does not necessarily give you an advantage after three years of graduate school.
Supplementary description: With the development of China's education and the continuous improvement of national quality, postgraduate education has begun to become popular. Compared to before, the conditions for graduate study are now more relaxed, and for some excellent undergraduates, graduate school has become a regular option. However, the surge in the number of graduate students has also led to increased competition in the job market. More and more graduates hold postgraduate degrees, and employers are placing greater emphasis on candidates' practical abilities and experience rather than just academic qualifications in the recruitment process. This makes the competition between graduate students and job seekers with years of work experience even more intense.
The pandemic has also had an impact on the plummeting number of graduate students. Over the past three years, the pandemic has led to a global economic recession, and competition in all walks of life has been fierce. Many companies are facing a series of difficulties such as bankruptcy, layoffs, and salary cuts, forcing a large number of graduates to consider pursuing postgraduate studies or applying for public service. However, with the gradual easing of the epidemic and the signs of gradual economic recovery, many candidates believe that under the new opportunities of economic liberalization, it is better to devote themselves to the wave of employment as soon as possible than to prepare for graduate school behind closed doors.
Additional description: Since the outbreak of the epidemic, the global economy has suffered a huge shock, and various industries are facing severe challenges. Layoffs, salary cuts, and closures of companies continue to occur, leaving many new graduates struggling to find jobs. Faced with such a hostile employment environment, many people choose to pursue further studies, including postgraduate degrees and civil service establishments. However, as the epidemic gradually came under control, the economy began to recover gradually, and the employment situation improved. Many candidates feel that under this new opportunity of liberalization, it is better to seize the existing employment opportunities than to continue to prepare for graduate studies.
The graduate school entrance examination itself is also a highly competitive battle, and being able to be admitted is already a one-in-a-million existence, just like a carp jumping over the dragon gate, not every fish can become a dragon. Perhaps the graduate students who have repeatedly failed or failed repeatedly have long lost the belief that they will win to obtain a graduate degree, which has led to the loss of a large number of graduate students.
Additional description: The degree of competition for graduate school entrance examination is very high, and being able to be admitted is a very rare opportunity. Just like a carp jumping through the gate, only a handful of people succeed in earning a graduate degree. For those candidates who have failed repeatedly and failed to be admitted to graduate school again and again, they may gradually lose confidence and motivation in the postgraduate entrance examination, and then choose to give up, which is also one of the reasons for the sharp decline in the number of postgraduate students.
Conclusion: In summary, the sudden decline in the number of graduate students in 24 years may be caused by a combination of factors. On the one hand, the popularity and increased competition in postgraduate education have led to a decline in the importance of postgraduate degreesOn the other hand, the economic difficulties caused by the epidemic have forced fresh graduates and some former graduates to turn to other employment optionsAt the same time, those who have repeatedly failed in graduate school may gradually lose their confidence in being admitted to graduate school. These are all reasons for the sharp decline in the number of graduate students. However, regardless of the change in the number of graduate students, pursuing a graduate degree is still an option that is important for personal development and strengthening. We should weigh the pros and cons from the perspective of our personal career development and make an informed decision.