China is expecting over 8.7 million new graduates this year. But amid an economic slowdown with extra pressure from the pandemic, the class of 2020 is facing an especially tough job environment.

"Being anxious is inevitable, I think, because at first when I failed to get a job, I was lost," Chen Tianzhe, a senior from the School of Economics and Finance of Shanghai International Studies University, told CGTN. 

He had not been particularly worried about his employment prospects before the winter holiday break, but when the pandemic hit unexpectedly, anxieties kicked in as well. He did not hear back from any of his job applications for a few months.

"As far as I can tell, two of my classmates, their offers were terminated because of the epidemic and they have to look for another job," said Chen.

Among this year's graduates, abrupt changes of plan are not uncommon. Students who had been admitted to further studies programs abroad, for example, switched to hunting for domestic jobs, and aspiring entrepreneurs were hit by a difficult start.

To stimulate employment, China has published a series of supportive policies at both national and municipal levels, which require government agencies and state-owned enterprises to hire more fresh graduates and for graduate schools to increase their admission quota.

Universities' career counselors are also trying different approaches, such as reaching out to alumni, and organizing online job fairs to boost employment opportunities for graduates. 

Some of the most prestigious higher education institutions, such as Fudan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, told CGTN they are encouraging graduates to take up posts at grassroots organizations and work in the country's less developed areas in the mid-west where there is a great need for talents.

Luckily for Chen, with the help of his school, he finally landed an internship at one of the alumnus' company that eventually offered him a job.

"Our school has been extremely supportive and caring of us during the job-seeking process. I think this job is the ideal one for me," said Chen.

(Cover: A virtual commencement ceremony for undergraduates of New York University Shanghai Campus on May 29. /Photo by Li Siqi)