Service industry boom

In addition to the demand for talent in the manufacturing sector, the need for professionals in the service industry is also significant.

According to Shi Jingying, director of Internship and Career Development Center at the Beijing Hospitality Institute, the school's flagship program in hotel management offers around 2,600 job positions for approximately 800 graduates each year during its campus recruitment season.

About 35 percent of these graduates work in international high-end hotels and the tourism industry, 5 to 8 percent start their own businesses, and the majority of the rest enter broader service industries such as finance and luxury goods.

"The high job placement rate in relevant fields is a testament to the school's educational achievements. It shows that students are both capable and passionate about their chosen field, and it also reflects the strong desire for skilled professionals in China's hospitality industry," Shi said.

According to her, in recent years, with the rise of cultural and tourism trends across the country, many graduates have ventured into this sector. "This year, at least three graduates of the institute have started their own bed-and-breakfast businesses," she said.

The strong employment outcomes are attributed to the close alignment of the school's curriculum with industry needs. Chen Xiwen, a graduate from Xiangtan in Central China's Hunan province, secured a position as the secretary to the food and beverage director at a five-star hotel in Hangzhou six months before her graduation, assisting in the management of five restaurants. "The job required three years of work experience, and I landed it right after graduating. Quite impressive, isn't it?" she said proudly.

Chen attributes her success to the in-depth internship experiences she had during her studies. According to her, the school operates a four-star teaching hotel where students undergo a 16-week practical course, gaining firsthand experience in various roles ranging from reception to management positions, and from housekeeping to culinary service.

In addition to this, the school organizes two six-month industry internships, providing students with early exposure to working in high-end hotels and enabling them to start strong upon graduation.

Shi pointed out that guiding graduates' career paths is a core responsibility and educational philosophy for schools offering vocational education.

For students and their families, many of whom have spent years focusing on academic scores throughout primary and secondary education, career planning can sometimes be overlooked.

"I believe the greatest advantage of vocational education is that it provides a clear vision for students to see their future development," Shi said. "Students may be uncertain when they first enroll, but as they progress, they often discover a bright path ahead."