With a record 12.7 million graduates expected this year, China is placing greater emphasis on early career planning and aligning academic training with industry demand to improve employment outcomes, experts have said.

That shift was evident at the 3rd National College Students Career Planning Competition in Tianjin, which drew 20.55 million participants from 2,833 universities, nearly half of the country's student population. The event combined career presentations with job fairs and campus-enterprise networking, offering students direct exposure to employers.

"Students should start early, explore industries and strengthen practical skills to stay competitive," said Yang Ming, director of the Student Ideological Education and Management Office at Tianjin Municipal Education Commission.

Educators said the competition is also narrowing the gap between classrooms and workplaces.

"It helps teachers better understand industry needs and adjust curricula toward more practical, job-ready skills," said Qi Jiachao of Zhejiang Textile Institute.

Participants said the experience has clarified their career paths. Zhou Meicen, a visually impaired student from Guangxi Vocational Technical College, is focusing on AI-generated content for children with special needs.

"Through the competition, I gained a deeper understanding of the current trends in the AIGC industry and the specific talent needs in this field. It made me more determined to develop my skills and contribute to helping children with special needs," she said.

Zou Juan from Tongling Vocational Technical College is blending traditional pastry-making with cultural elements and healthier ingredients to meet modern tastes.

The Ministry of Education expects a record 12.7 million graduates this year, as rapid advances in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies continue to tighten overall employment capacity.

Universities should strengthen practical training and skills development to help students build solid foundations, while platforms such as the competition enable them to refine career goals and better prepare for the job market, said Li Xi, an innovation and entrepreneurship lecturer at Guangxi Vocational Technical College, noting that effective career guidance is critical to shaping students' futures.

Zhou Jianan and Zhou Feiran contributed to this story.