More Chinese graduates prefer work in 2nd-tier cities

Scores of freshly minted college degree holders will soon begin job hunting this summer. And while first tier cities such as Beijing and Shanghai tend to pay higher salaries, a growing number are looking for alternatives.

This moment only comes once in a life time . After 4 years of the pressure-cooking exams, students will finally mark their exit from school with graduation. And it's called commencement for a reason. These students are set to begin their first jobs out of college. A popular aspiration amongst many is a job at a large multinational firm in Beijing or Shanghai, but some are reconsidering that choice.

"I had planned on finding a job in Beijing in my first year at university, but as time passed I changed my mind and preferred a stable job in my hometown. Lots of our senior school-mates who went to Beijing often told me how those big cities had become so crowded and competitive, and life isn't easy there." Zhang Shaobo, graduate from Shenyang, Liaoning province, said.

And even finding a job considered well paying won't be easy for many. Since China expanded the higher-education enrollments 15 years ago, annual numbers of college graduates have soared year after year. Coupled with a grim job market, many might need to contend with roles meant for those of lower qualifications.

"Most of the graduates today are from the single-child families where they were treated like "the little emperors". When someone is used to "instinct gratification", you can imagine what their reaction would be like when offered blue collar or manual jobs with salaries similar to the migrant workers without higher education." Han Xuesong, director of Career Counseling Ctr., Liaoning Univ., said.

So to maximize chances of scoring employment befitting to college qualifications, universities are persuading graduates to shift their job expectations--accept lower wages or move to smaller cities which are less competitive. And numbers have reflected that mindset changes are taking place. Recent figures from China's major job search website Zhaopin.com showed, many 2nd tier cities are in the top 10 of the most-favored cities for jobs.

"It's not because these 1st tier cities are less attractive to the graduates, but those days of a "first come, first employed" practice are over in the 1st tier cities, the fierce competition there has made the graduates to look for jobs elsewhere with less pressure." Han said.

And as many look to 2nd and 3rd tier cities, graduates will likely need to make minor lifestyle sacrifices,

For millions of young graduates, landing a job in a 1st tier city means more opportunities, modern amenities, and a more diversified cultural atmosphere; but this comes at a high price in terms of living costs and skyrocketing housing prices. So seeking jobs in smaller cities is a rational decision many graduates are taking. Such a move won't just ease today's tough employment market but also contribute to the growth of cities that have been kept mostly under the radar.