Zhang Qianyu

Renmin University of China, Beijing

From a high school student to an undergraduate to a postgraduate, Zhang, 28, is finally getting her doctorate at Renmin University of China and is ready to don the red graduation gown.

But this graduation season is a bit different for her. Unlike previous ones, during which Zhang would bid a happy farewell to her classmates, anticipating her next stage of studies, this time she feels excited but also anxious because her next adventure will be out in society — the real world.

"I will miss this ivory tower where I could dig into my international studies major without any distractions," said Zhang. After graduation, she will need to deal with many new life matters, such as finding a place to live. "Even though I have a doctorate, when it comes to social skills, I think I'm still a freshman."

This is why Zhang and her peers have been preparing for this moment for a little while now. They have been spending more time with each other — get-togethers that these international studies majors fittingly call "table diplomacy" — during which they catch up on all the latest happenings in each other's lives and discuss their "personal development issues".

"One of our common concerns in the final year is whether our job offers are really suitable for us," Zhang said. "Fearing regret, some of my peers have been hesitant to make career choices."

As for Zhang, she has decided to work as a researcher in a scientific institution, continuing her work on international political economy. It was an easy choice for her since she believes that no matter what job you choose, everything will work out for the best as long as you follow your heart and do something you're passionate about and good at.

"Everything in life happens according to a certain timing, like a clock. And everyone has his or her own path to go down," said Zhang.