China's employment market: Perceptions of UK graduates

A new British Council research report has found that studying abroad gives returning graduates an edge in the Chinese job market. 350 Chinese employers who recruit overseas-educated graduates were surveyed to gain insights into their perceptions of returning graduates.

Findings indicate graduates educated overseas were regarded as more creative, with better interpersonal and communication skills and a greater aptitude for problem-solving and analytical thinking.  Employers also mentioned specific technical skills, including digital marketing and IT, which gave overseas graduates an edge, compared to their local counterparts.

Whilst returning graduates are highly regarded for their skillsets, employers did report some disadvantages to an overseas education. Namely, lower knowledge of the local job market, weaker social networks in China and less experience in the Chinese workplace. There were also concerns returning graduates could be less loyal as they had access to a better range of job opportunities.

With the initial salary premium for an overseas-educated candidate modest, employers advised that students should be better prepared for this reality. They also advised that internship and placement opportunities during study would help Chinese graduates secure employment.

The full report is available for download as attached.

The British Council will be holding a training workshop in the UK in February to support UK universities to develop appropriate mechanisms to prepare their Chinese students for returning home and entering the local job market. Details of the workshop will be made available soon via the IES website.

Universities can register for updates on all China related training opportunities here.