In recent years, more and more college students choose to take the postgraduate entrance examination, hoping to increase their employment competitiveness by improving their academic qualifications. However, a recent remark by Zhang Xuefeng, a well-known graduate school teacher, has sparked widespread discussion, and the number of graduate school entrance exams will be significantly reduced by 2024. According to official sources, the number of graduate students in 2024 will drop by 360,000 compared with 2019. This news has attracted a lot of attention, but it has also stirred up a lot of controversy. So, why is there a significant decrease in the number of graduate students?We analyze it from the following aspects.
1. The depreciation of postgraduate qualifications
Academic qualifications have always been seen as an important criterion in the job search process. However, over time, the graduate degree gradually loses its unique advantages. More and more students are realizing that a graduate degree does not necessarily lead to better career opportunities. In contrast, it is easier to enter positions in the system by taking the public examination or other staff examinations, and the income and benefits are more considerable. As a result, many students choose to give up the graduate school entrance examination and devote themselves to employment.
2. The employment environment has changed dramatically
The employment landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years. Students graduating in 2019 face a very difficult employment situation, and even those with graduate degrees face the same dilemma. Not only is it difficult to find a satisfying job, but the wages and benefits packages are relatively low. Especially in recent years, affected by the epidemic, many enterprises have experienced a decline in efficiency and even had to lay off employees, which has further increased the employment pressure of graduates. As a result, many students believe that direct employment may be more secure than graduate school.
3. Changes in the postgraduate entrance examination policy
China's postgraduate entrance examination policy changes every year. For example, schools have gradually reduced the number of master's degree-granting points, but the number of professional master's degrees has increased significantly. As a result, many undergraduate students who want to engage in scientific research are unable to go ashore, affecting their decision to choose to go to graduate school. In addition, colleges and universities no longer provide graduate dormitories for students, which increases the financial burden for students from ordinary families. Therefore, many poor students have to give up the postgraduate entrance examination and choose direct employment.
1. Remind students to choose carefully
The decrease in the number of graduate students in 2024 has put forward important thoughts and warnings for the majority of students. From Zhang Xuefeng's remarks, we can see that blindly following the herd choice is not a wise move. Many students just follow the trend and don't really think about whether they are suitable for a career in scientific research. Therefore, before going to graduate school, we should fully think about whether we really love this field and whether it is of practical significance for personal development.
2. Improve the quality of postgraduate entrance examinations
The decrease in the number of graduate students may mean increased competition, further increasing the difficulty of the graduate school entrance examination. This is both an opportunity and a challenge for students who are truly interested in pursuing a career in scientific research. They need to work harder in preparing for the exam and improve their comprehensive ability in order to stand out from the fierce competition.
3. Diversification of the job market
For some students, it may be wiser to opt for direct employment. With the diversification of the job market, more and more positions require strong undergraduates. This also provides more options for students who are not well suited to pursue a career in scientific research, while also being able to realize their value more quickly.
To a certain extent, the decrease in the number of graduate students reflects the current state of higher education and the changing needs of the job market. Students' concerns about the employment situation are intertwined with reflections on the significance of graduate school entrance examinations. We should realize that going to graduate school is not the only way out, but a path that needs to be carefully chosen. Whether we choose to go to graduate school or go straight to work, we need to be clearly aware of our interests and strengths, and take the initiative to adapt to the changes of the times. Only in this way, on the road that suits you, can you achieve better achievements and development.