The Chinese mainland is witnessing a surge in diverse job opportunities, with 19 new professions recently added to the officially recognized occupations list. Over half of these new roles focus on digital and smart technologies, including operators of generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems, smart-vehicle testers, and industrial-internet maintenance workers, as reported by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
Li Ming, a computer science graduate from Beijing, shared his enthusiasm at a job fair in Haidian District, the capital's tech hub. \"It seems to me that AI and big data companies are craving digital talent,\" he said. Li, who specialized in machine learning and completed a two-year internship at a robotics firm, is eager to pursue a career in this burgeoning field.
Li's aspirations reflect the mainland's increasing demand for digital professionals. A survey by Zhaopin, an online recruitment platform, revealed that IT and internet-related jobs are the most sought-after among Chinese university graduates in 2024. Additionally, the AI sector ranks among the top three job creators and recipients for graduates nationwide this year, according to Lagou, another job-seeking platform.
The Digital China Summit in May highlighted that the core sectors of the digital economy accounted for 10 percent of the mainland's GDP in 2023, with over 4,500 major AI firms operating in the region. This rapid expansion has resulted in a talent shortage estimated between 25 million to 30 million people.
\"We can see a shortage in not only digital practitioners, but also in their professionalism and variety,\" stated Zhang Jianguo, chairman and CEO of Renrui Human Resources Technology Holdings Limited. He emphasized that as the AI boom unfolds, talent demand is evolving much faster than the supply.
In the first quarter of this year, jobs related to AI-generated content surged by over 320 percent compared to the previous year, with applications increasing by more than 940 percent, according to data from Liepin. Roles such as natural language processors and graphics engineers are among the highest-paying occupations.
Zhang Chenggang from the Capital University of Economics and Business noted, \"The emergence of these new professions reflects the latest demands of the Chinese mainland's society and market.\" He added that sectors like the digital economy and IT are pivotal in the mainland's industrial transformation, driven by the widespread use of AI technology.
To address the growing and varied demand for digital talent, Chinese leadership has pledged to advance reforms in higher education and develop mechanisms for discipline adjustment and talent training. This initiative aims to accelerate the mainland's sci-tech development and implement national strategies effectively.
In April, nine government agencies jointly released a three-year action plan to \"expedite the cultivation of digital talent to support the development of the digital economy.\" The plan outlines a comprehensive framework that integrates industry associations, enterprises, and higher education institutions to better align talent with market needs.
Li Qiang, vice president of Zhaopin, emphasized that as the digital sector becomes a major growth driver of the mainland's economy, the job market structure needs further refinement. He called for consistent efforts to create high-caliber talent and provide them with fulfilling jobs to ensure the thriving of relevant businesses.
Official estimates indicate that 2024 will see 11.79 million students graduating from colleges across the mainland, an increase of 210,000 from 2023. This influx of graduates underscores the urgency of bridging the talent gap to sustain the mainland's digital and economic growth.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
