Change in students’ view of civil service is a good sign

Chinese examinees walk towards an exam site to attend the 2015 China National Civil Service Examination in Nanjing city, East China's Jiangsu province, Nov 30, 2014. [Photo/IC]

Civil service is no longer the first choice of students, according to a survey jointly conducted by Fudan University and Shanghai Open University.

The study shows that only 8.6 percent want to become civil servants while 23.4 percent prefer multinational companies, 21.1 percent want to start their own business and 20 percent prefer working for public institutions.

In a comment piece, China Youth Daily said the survey it reveals that the attitude of young people is changing. They are no longer attracted just by stability and regular income but want more. For the new generation, career now means fulfillment of goals, a work that gels with their personality and an option that guarantees fast promotion. Any company or institution that ticks these boxes instantly becomes much sought-after.

Initially, today’s college students should be praised for having the courage and intellect to follow their own hearts. A modern country with a well-established comprehensive system can afford to offer and accommodate individuals’ diversified choices, allowing every talent to perform at his best and avoiding waste of human resources due to excessive competition in some areas.

By choosing their own path, today’s youths show that there is a relatively healthy competition environment, a sustainable virtuous cycle and an inspiring progress of our society.

Also the discussion above does not mean that we’re denying the value of civil servants. What should be really made clear is that “civil servant” means serving the people, so everyone who wants to apply must bear in mind at least one belief: it’s unrealistic to dream of using such a position to achieve power or enjoy some privilege. Essentially, a civil servant is no more than a normal occupation devoted to serving the public. Youths who’re sincerely keen to contribute more to society are the most suitable candidates for applying for this job and deserve respect from anyone.

All in all, from the individual’s perspective, improving your own ability and always keeping pace with the latest information are essential for personal development, whatever industry or occupation you’re in; from the government’s perspective, it should put more effort on perfecting the regulation of the labor market, improving the talent development mechanism, offer more opportunities and help young people when they’re starting their own business.

( Wu Zheyu organized from China Youth Daily )