Young employees more willing to relocate for dream jobs

Younger employees in China are migrating across cities more often than their predecessors in pursuit of their dream jobs, according to research from professional online networking site LinkedIn.

Those born in the 1990s move to another city for a job after 1.4 years on average, compared with 3.32 years among those born in the 1970s and 2.49 years among people born in the 1980s.

Among those born in or after 1995, who have left college for only more than a year, the duration is 0.84 years.

The research is based on the public information of 11,700 of LinkedIn's members as of the end of October. The survey included those who had worked in more than one city, including 1,000 people born in or after 1995, 4,800 born in the 1990s, 4,000 born in the 1980s and 900 born in the 1970s.

"Those born in the 1990s have stronger self-awareness, and show sensibility and courage in career and life planning. Corporate management should try to understand their characteristics and needs in an open and inclusive way, and take measures to attract and train them," said Chen Mei, senior manager of content marketing of LinkedIn China.

Top-tier cities remain the starting point career-wise for those born in or after 1995, with Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou ranking the top five in appeal this year.

However, for those born across the 1990s, who have some work experience, some of the top cities lose their appeal. Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Wuhan, Nanjing, Guangzhou and Chongqing are among the top cities this generation are choosing for their second step this year.

For those born in the 1990s who are migrating to new cities, the internet industry and financial services are the top two sectors of choice.

In Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, for example, the internet industry, fast-moving consumer goods, financial services, IT services and electronic products are the top five most attractive sectors for this younger generation.

In Shenzhen, another city in Guangdong, the internet industry, electronic manufacturing, telecommunication, IT services and financial services take the top five spots.

The report quoted a woman born in the 1990s who graduated two years ago and migrated from Beijing to Guangzhou, and then on to Shenzhen: "I wouldn't set too much limitation on my job or the city I live in. The principle is a satisfying job.

"Many cities nowadays are offering favorable policies to young people and present a lot of job opportunities. I hope to try different choices while I'm still young."