Zhang Qian

    zhqcindy@163.com

    In the eyes of Yu Zhongqiu, an expert in the field of studying abroad services, many expectant overseas students are not maximizing their potential with the right decisions in majors and career paths.

    Yu is the president of Haiwei Career Services, a branch company under New Oriental School, a leading institution that provides language training and overseas study services in China. The president, being a returned overseas student himself, believes that students should plan their majors and careers earlier and more thoughtfully.

    “I advocate that students should consider their talents and preferences when choosing majors before blindly applying for any degrees overseas,” said Yu at an education fair recently organized by the New Oriental School.

    The White Paper of Chinese Studying Abroad report, published by the training institution, showed that more study abroad are deciding to come back to China after graduation than in previous years, but a large number of returned students are not working in the field of the majors they were educated in. The expert said that many students did not choose to study majors they were interested in, in the first place.

    “I suggest students not to blindly follow others’ suggestions, but stick to what they like to learn the most,” said Yu.

    According to the white paper report, around 46.4 percent of overseas Chinese students chose to study business-related majors, making business the most favorable major among Chinese students.

    But Yu pointed out that many students overlooked a wide range of choices of majors. There are many industries in China that need talents with overseas background and experience, according to Yu.

    “The creative cultural industry and sports management, for example, are in great need of people with professional knowledge, but few people know that,” said Yu.

    The president also suggested students plan early instead of rushing to make decisions before going abroad. “High school students who want to study at overseas universities should start their preparation in the first year of high school because it will get more competitive if they wait until the last minute to apply,” said Yu.