China's smartest students used to chase tech and finance jobs. Now, they're choosing manufacturing.

"Employment data from Tsinghua University - one of China's top tertiary institutions - published on its website on Tuesday shows the number of graduates entering the manufacturing and energy sectors rose 19.1% year over year for the class of 2025. Top employers for this year's Tsinghua graduates include Huawei, BYD, State Grid Corporation of China, and China National Nuclear Corporation."

"The share of Tsinghua graduates entering the manufacturing and energy sectors has grown for six consecutive years, according to the university. Tsinghua said last year that the number of Class of 2024 graduates joining those sectors rose 11% year on year."

"The share of Chinese graduates entering manufacturing rose from 17.9% in 2020 to 22.5% in 2024, according to South China Morning Post, citing a report by MyCOS Institute, a consultancy focused on China's education."

China's elite graduates are shifting career preferences toward manufacturing and energy sectors. Tsinghua University data shows manufacturing and energy employment rose 19.1% year-over-year for 2025 graduates, with top employers including Huawei, BYD, State Grid Corporation, and China National Nuclear Corporation. This trend has continued for six consecutive years at Tsinghua. Similar patterns appear at other institutions like Huazhong University of Science and Technology, where manufacturing placements significantly outnumber finance positions. Nationally, the share of Chinese graduates entering manufacturing increased from 17.9% in 2020 to 22.5% in 2024. Experts attribute this shift to growing prestige in advanced manufacturing sectors, particularly semiconductors and electric vehicles.

Read at Business Insider