The Most Unfortunate Are Second-Tier University Students

The article is still too optimistic. It suggests that second-tier university students can rescue themselves by getting a master’s degree from a prestigious university to offset their educational disadvantage, or by taking the civil service exam. However, in reality, pursuing either path is limited not only by scarce openings but also by the significant time cost it requires.

Everyone knows that companies prefer better candidates, and resumes are screened to filter out those from less prestigious schools. With the number of college graduates increasing each year—12 million entering the job market annually—the better industries are largely monopolized by graduates from top-tier universities (where alumni help each other). Therefore, students from lower-tier universities must plan their next three to four years from day one of college. Don’t drift through college without direction, or you’ll find employment opportunities shrinking and your future constrained.

Four years of flexible employment or starting a business could also be viable options. A few years ago, the government called for “mass entrepreneurship,” signaling that individuals need to take charge of their own futures—a very important message.

Silent Second-Tier University Students in the "Toughest" Graduation Season