After studying another three years, postgraduates earn only 500 yuan ($79) a month more than a college student when they apply for an identical job. So is it worth studying for a PhD? China Daily's mobile phone news readers share their views:

I am now working after finishing my postgraduate studies. In the long run, if postgraduates are willing to make the effort and learn more, they have better chances of promotion. Besides, postgraduates have a broader social network too. As far as I am concerned, we should not make that much comparison in work as long as one enjoys his/her job. One's efforts will be paid some day sooner or later.

ZHANGYAWEN, Zhengzhou, Henan province

There is no direct correlation between postgraduate study and one's salary and no need to make such link. Otherwise, even though one is undergoing a postgraduate program, one will not enjoy the happiness of obtaining more knowledge, renewal of thoughts and cultivation of disposition.

QIUBOCHENG, Huzhou, Zhejiang province

I don't think this problem should be considered in only one way. For example, it is hard to find a decent job. Many of my former university classmates who will graduate next year from graduate school still fail to find a job. But even so, I have started thinking of further study. It is crucial to find the right way to one's life goals.

YISHENGWUHUI, Beijing

The city one lives in will influence a person's life, so if you are not satisfied with your city, to further your study in a postgraduate program might be the easiest way for you to alter the situation. Also, if your ultimate goal is to find a job instead of going into academia after graduation, there is no need to do postgraduate studies as you can find a relatively satisfactory job when you graduate from college. In my opinion, postgraduate study can teach one many things, hopefully everyone makes the decision that is right for them, rather than just following the crowd.

A READER, Beijing

According to my experience, do not rush to go to graduate school right after graduating from the university. It is better to find one's specific interest after working for a couple of years and improve oneself by taking an on-job postgraduate course. I began to work as a civil servant when I got my master's degree, but I have no advantage over my colleagues who have only a bachelor's degree. The reasons for that are pretty simple: work experience is more important than a diploma; a diploma does not necessarily mean someone is capable.

JASON, Foshan, Guangdong province

Due to the unreasonable supply-demand structure in China's job market now, there are a few positions for research talent, which makes postgraduate studies less related to employment. As a result, companies are reluctant to increase their cost to hire postgraduates, to whom they are supposed to pay more. Yet it has become the easiest decision for university graduates to make to go on to postgraduate school, given the emphasis China's education places on examination results. Besides, people always hold the stereotype that it is easier for postgraduates to find a better job, which is not the actual case.

MAYLOVE, Beijing

(China Daily 11/19/2012 page9)