The global financial crisis and China's slowing economic growth has affected young people looking for jobs. While many college students worry about their future, some are going into business for themselves.
These college students are winners of the 2008 Nokia Young Entrepreneur Competition. Their business plans were selected among more than 140 which were recommended by around 40 universities in China. Huang Jian is one of the six gold winners. He was awarded 50,000 yuan to help his business.
Huang Jian, Gold Winner of Zhejiang University said "We provide marketing services to companies, helping them sell products in universities. Our services include survey, advertising. We have earned about 200,000 yuan this year."
The competition is a part of the Nokia Young Entrepreneur Education Plan, which also launched seminars in colleges nationwide to guide students in starting their businesses. In the Minzu University of China, a group of students and their teacher are discussing their new products. They are members of a entrepreneur club, where they can take business courses and share experiences.
Cui Guolei, one student said "We've created a magazine for college students, the content covers all aspects of student's life. By doing so, we can improve our capabilities at starting a businesses, it's a good practice."
Their tutor, Zhou Qihong is a teacher in the university, as well as a career trainer registered with the International Labor Organization. He has launched special classes to help students eager to become their own boss.
Zhou Qihong, Teacher & Career Planner of Minzu University of China said "Amid the current global economic downturn, I suggest college students adjust their traditional thoughts, and try to start their own businesses, because every road leads to Rome."
Given the spreading global financial crisis, finding a job is harder than before. More and more students are thinking about starting their own businesses. So Zhou Qihong's class is quite popular.
Shi Yi, one student said "A lot of my schoolmates are considering starting a business, but what troubles us is that we can not find a proper way to realize our dreams. By taking this course, I've learned to think in a businessman's way. The course also showed us the weak points of college students in starting a business."
