Over six million college students are graduating this year. That means millions of job hunters pouring into the already competitive job market. Economists say that China is second only to the US in entrepreneurial opportunities. But while about 20 percent of American college graduates choose to start their own businesses, that figure is only around one percent in China.
It might not look pretty, but it’s THEIRS.
These youngsters are among the ONE percent. They set up this cram school, but on shaky ground. The school constantly runs short of funding and they can’t even hire enough personnel.
Zhang Hanwen, College Entrepreneur, said, "To keep the business going, you have to be the boss, the teacher, and the cleaner, all at the same time.
Zheng Chenlu, College Entrepreneur, said, "It’s not easy for college graduates."
To make it harder, it’s the heavy competition.
Experts say China is second only to the US as the best place for entrepeneurs.
But that might only be true for the big corporations with capital and marketing departments. Not for poor college graduates.
Song Ye, Deputy Director of Beijing Employment Service Center, said, "Setting up a business requires a lot of funding and skills. The government is taking more and more steps to create a better environment for college students to start their own businesses."
But are they on the right track?
Many colleges are introducing students to the world of business. All you need is a good business plan, and they’ll provide the starting capital and free rent.
But surprisingly:
Huai Yarong, Coffee House Manager, said, "I still want to find a job to ensure a stable life. I simply come to gain some experience and connections, so that I can find a better job. Setting up a business is too risky."
They aren’t even real entrepreneurs. The school still owns the coffee house, takes the income, and plans the strategy. In fact, they are really little more than employees.
"So the students are just having a TASTE of entrepreneurship. Although for many of them, the practical matters such as buying houses or getting married will force many of them out of this idea after they graduate, you never know if the taste will linger and brew success later in their life." CCTV reporter Han Peng said.
The risks are high. The profits are low. So why do they take a chance in the world of business?
"I think there are so many people who are making a lot of money but are already dead inside. I want to live a life differently, by pursuing what I truly love." Zheng Chenlu said.
These young teachers are trying their best to make it in the business world. Perhaps their students can learn more from them than just mathematics?