Navigating employment: how Chinese humanities Master’s graduates from selective universities transition into the job market

Thesis

The expansion of higher education has led to a surplus of graduates relative to labor market demand, creating significant employment pressure. Humanities graduates face particular challenges due to a perceived mismatch between their theoretical knowledge and professional skills. This research explores the opportunities and challenges faced by humanities graduates integrating into the labor market in a society marked by uncertainty and the rapid development of artificial intelligence. Using a qualitative case study approach, I conducted semi-structured interviews with humanities master's graduates from a prestigious university in China. Employing the conceptual framework of agency, this thesis examines the dynamics between student agency and external structures during the transition from higher education to employment. The findings suggest that, despite the influence of external structures, individuals retain a degree of autonomy and initiative. As they navigate rapidly changing circumstances, individuals experience increased personal responsibility and the necessity of making informed choices. The agency and self-formation of individuals develop rapidly during this transitional phase, even surpassing their higher education stage. Humanities higher education fosters independent thinking and rational reflexivity early on, enabling students to continually assess limitations and opportunities, reposition themselves effectively, and build a strong foundation for exercising agency in the workplace amid uncertainty. Resources such as autonomy, intentionality, reflexivity, positivity, and a commitment to learning are crucial throughout this process, with different resources predominating at various stages. Finally, this thesis offers recommendations for the development of humanities disciplines in higher education, emphasizing the importance of fostering agency and adaptability to better prepare students for the uncertainties of the modern labor market.

Authors: Wang, Y

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-54n1wgvnq
• Type of award: MSc taught course
• Level of award: Masters
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: interviews; agency; Humanities; employment; HE; HE2024; transition
• Subjects: Interviews; Humanities; Employment; Education