Diverging recruitment channels and processes in the Chinese and Australian labour markets are seriously impacting new graduates, according to a new report from the University of Sydney Business School and China Studies Centre.
Key findings
- Country-specific soft skills are essential to career success, and Chinese international students’ skillsets often have critical gaps in both contexts.
- Australian firms prioritise values, personal narratives and life experiences. Chinese firms emphasise relevant internships and work experience, professional skills and formal qualifications.
- Amid China’s economic challenges, overseas graduate degrees don’t hold the same credibility they once did.
- Mastering digital channels and networking skills is essential in both markets.
Education is Australia’s fourth-largest export industry and the highest proportion (22 percent) of international students comes from China, making it essential for Australian universities to equip Chinese international students for career success at home and abroad. Australia is the second-most popular destination for Chinese international students after the USA.
Researchers from the University of Sydney Business School analysed internship and graduate program recruitment requirements from 62 leading companies in Australia and 45 in China, and responses from the QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey. They also conducted in-depth interviews with 10 employers and HR experts in Australia and China.
Their report, Bridging the Skills Gap: Enhancing the Employability of International Chinese Students, found Chinese international students often lacked critical soft skills essential to success in China and Australia.
China’s economic challenges in recent years have led to an increasingly tight job market, and in this context overseas graduate degrees are no longer the ‘golden ticket’ to employment they once were.
Dr Wei Li
“China’s economic challenges in recent years have led to an increasingly tight job market, and in this context overseas graduate degrees are no longer the ‘golden ticket’ to employment they once were.”
Dr Wei Li
“Soft skills such as job interviews and networking skills are more important than ever, and our research found stark differences in what is needed between the Australian and Chinese job markets.
“For example, your personal narrative and passion for a role is important in Australia, but not in China. Chinese employers care more about graduates’ grades and rankings, relevant experience and internships. Unsurprisingly, there is a universal expectation for candidates to be well-prepared, qualified, and committed to their roles.
“It is important for students to take responsibility for their career planning and prepare themselves with the skills they will need for the country and industry they have in mind.”
The report also makes recommendations for universities and employers to help ensure graduate success in the job market.
“We would like to see every university ensure that career development is embedded as a learning outcome throughout every degree, and foster environments that challenge students to reflect on how they want to be perceived professionally,” Dr Li said.
“Universities should also invest in enhanced career support infrastructure, including development programs that keep educators up to date with labor market trends.
“Equally, industry needs to engage with educational institutions to provide mentorship and internships, and design graduate programs that consider the unique strengths and needs of Chinese graduates.”
The University of Sydney supports students achieve diverse and rewarding employment outcomes on graduation through strong industry and community partnerships. Students have access to programs and internships that enhance their employability and offer industry experience. These include collaborating on industry projects, and participating in programs including the recent International Career Week pilot and the upcoming China Employability event.
The university also provides tailored services, social and discipline networks, and mentoring to students throughout their study. This includes personalised career and life planning through the new Design Your Future unit of study.
University of Sydney graduates are ranked first in Australia and fourth in the world in the international QS rankings for Most Employable Graduates.