Witness the civil service exam boom
Every year, the number of students registering for the civil service examination continues to increase, and her classroom becomes more and more crowded. Both science and arts students have shown great interest in civil service positions.
“I’ve worked for 15 years and have probably taught over 5,000 students.” Ms Li said.
“In 2012, we had only a dozen students in our class, and they didn’t need to study full-time. They usually reviewed on their own after class. This is in stark contrast to today’s students, who need to study full-time until the early hours,” said Lixue.
In the past, anyone who was a vocational school graduate could apply for the same position. But now, many positions require a master’s degree or even a PhD.
“Management, Chinese language and literature, accounting, business administration, law, computer majors need more talent, many people stomach medicine to reduce competition, will go to another related professional.” Zhang Peng training class teacher said.
Stability has become the only thing
One of the main reasons for the popularity of civil service exams is the stability of civil service jobs.
In the current unstable economic climate and enormous pressure on employment, the stable income and relatively easy work environment of civil service positions are highly attractive to young people entering the job market.
Civil service positions offer a more reliable guarantee than the uncertain private sector, allowing many young people to feel a sense of job security.
Li often hears students say, “Once you pass the civil service exam, your life is secure, and you can ‘lie flat’ (do nothing).”
In addition, family and social expectations are important factors driving the civil service examination boom among university students. In conversations with students, another teacher, Zhang Peng, found that many choose to take the exam due to strong encouragement from their parents.
Parents generally believe that civil service jobs are decent and secure and see it as a safe and stable career choice. This belief is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture and has influenced generations of young people.
Many college students choose to take the civil service exam not out of personal career interest but as a compromise with reality. The fierce competition for jobs makes many students feel confused and powerless when looking for a job.
In this context, the civil service exam allows them to escape job pressure and seek security. “Many students don’t love this job, but they need a stable income,” Lixue noted.
“Many who take the civil service exam fall short by just a little and then invest more time in studying, leading to years without work experience and becoming disconnected from society,” Lixue continued. “In the end, the only option left is to continue taking the exam.”
This phenomenon has become increasingly common in recent years, trapping some young people in the high threshold and competitive pressure of the civil service exam, stalling their career development.