"Presently, social work accounts for less than one percent of the employed population," Yang Lan, a CPPCC member, said. Under the circumstances in which college graduates are facing a severe job situation this year, Yang suggested that the government guide college graduates to seek employment in the field of social work.

"Chinese people are still relatively unfamiliar with the occupation of 'social worker.' Social workers differ from volunteers because they are paid. In the West, jobs such as guiding troublesome youths, helping handicapped people receive rehabilitation therapy, looking after children as a caretaker, and taking care of children who are mistreated by their parents are mostly fulfilled by social workers."

"The occupation has vast development potential and is helpful in improving the community service system and stabilizing all society. Currently, however, social work in China is still in the preliminary stages, particularly since only a small number of college graduates engage in social work." Yang said the new occupation may present more job opportunities to college graduates.

Regarding preferential policies that are carried out one after another all over China to encourage college graduates to start businesses, Yang believes these policies are good. At the same time, however, she cautions that "since starting a business is risky, they must be ready to bear the risks."

By People's Daily Online