PhDs Everywhere in China, Losing Value; 24 Years of Study, No Jobs Upon Graduating

Summary

In China, the value of doctoral degrees is rapidly declining, with PhDs becoming as common as master’s degrees. Despite the years of hard work, salaries for PhD holders in fields like engineering often don’t meet expectations, leaving them struggling with low wages and high living costs. The surge in doctoral programs since the 1990s has created an oversupply of PhD graduates, but the job market cannot absorb them. With limited career opportunities and poor job prospects, many PhD graduates are left in a cycle of underemployment. This trend raises questions about the alignment of education with China’s shifting economic needs.

Takeaways

• 😀 PhD degrees in China are becoming increasingly undervalued, with many arguing that they are now as common as street goods, leading to frustration among graduates.
• 😀 Engineering PhDs in cities like Xi'an are paid low salaries, often making it difficult for graduates to afford a home despite extensive education and experience.
• 😀 Despite a growing number of graduates, China's overall employment rate for PhD holders remains low, with many ending up in jobs far below their qualifications.
• 😀 A significant mismatch exists between the surge in doctoral degree holders and the available job market, with many graduates struggling to find high-paying positions.
• 😀 The rapid expansion of doctoral programs in China has led to an oversupply of PhDs, while the country's economy, heavily reliant on manufacturing, struggles to offer suitable roles for highly educated individuals.
• 😀 Historically, Chinese society placed great value on education, but the rise in college and doctoral graduates has decreased the value of these degrees, leaving many young people with limited career prospects.
• 😀 The devaluation of PhDs is particularly notable in fields like civil engineering, which was once highly sought after but is now experiencing a decline in enrollment due to a mismatch with market demand.
• 😀 Some graduates face difficulty in securing jobs due to a combination of age, lack of practical experience, and the oversupply of doctoral candidates, leading to disappointment and dependence on family support.
• 😀 Experts suggest that the imbalance in doctoral education's structure, with a focus on science and engineering, contributes to the growing mismatch between academic output and the demands of the job market.
• 😀 China's approach to doctoral education, heavily skewed toward STEM fields, fails to meet the broader socio-economic needs of the country, with many graduates facing difficulties transitioning into the workforce.

Q & A

Why are doctoral degrees in China becoming less valuable?

Doctoral degrees in China are losing value because of an oversupply of PhDs combined with a slow-growing job market that cannot absorb them. Salaries for PhD holders are low, and many struggle to find jobs that align with their qualifications. This surplus has led to frustration among graduates.

What are the main reasons for the low salaries of PhD graduates in China?

The low salaries of PhD graduates are due to a mismatch between the qualifications and the job market's demands. Many employers expect immediate practical value, which is hard for many PhD holders to deliver due to their academic-focused education.

How does the job market in China impact PhD graduates?

The job market in China is oversaturated with PhD graduates, leading to fierce competition and a lack of available positions. Even those who secure jobs often face low salaries and limited career growth, contributing to widespread dissatisfaction among recent PhD holders.

How has the number of PhD graduates in China changed over time?

The number of PhD graduates in China has increased dramatically since the late 1980s. The growth has been particularly rapid in the past two decades, with the number of PhD admissions nearly doubling from 2017 to 2023.

What is the correlation between China's economic growth and the increase in doctoral admissions?

Despite China's rapid economic growth, there is a very weak correlation between GDP growth and the increase in doctoral admissions. The expansion of doctoral programs has been disconnected from the country's actual economic needs and job market capacity.

Why are STEM PhDs the dominant field in China?

STEM fields dominate in China because of the government's strong emphasis on scientific and technological development. These fields are prioritized for doctoral education, leading to a large number of STEM PhD graduates. However, this focus does not align well with the available job opportunities.

What are the challenges faced by PhD graduates when entering the job market in China?

PhD graduates often struggle to secure jobs because their academic qualifications are seen as overqualified for many positions, while they lack the practical experience required for higher-level roles. This leads to frustration and reliance on family support.

How has the rapid expansion of doctoral programs affected China's higher education system?

The rapid expansion of doctoral programs in China has created a facade of success in the education system. While the number of graduates has increased, the quality of education and the alignment with the job market have not kept pace, leading to an oversupply of qualified individuals with few opportunities.

What are some of the socio-economic factors contributing to the devaluation of PhDs in China?

The devaluation of PhDs in China is partly due to the structural mismatch between the economy, education, and job market. China remains reliant on manufacturing and low-end service industries, which do not create enough high-quality jobs for doctoral graduates.

What alternatives are being suggested to traditional academic paths in China?

Some suggest that parents invest in business or real estate, rather than pushing children into academia, given the uncertain returns on educational investments. The rise of second- and third-generation wealthy youth highlights that success is no longer solely tied to academic achievement.