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    September 22

    3% or 97% -- which one u want to be?

    Recently I read a survey conducted by McKinsey Research (one of the largest and most respected business research firms in the world) concerning the Chinese labor market. The survey asked 83 of China's top global companies about the challenges they faced in hiring qualified people. The results showed that despite the huge numbers of university graduates, there is a "talent shortage": top companies cannot find top talent. For example, they report that less than 10% of their job applicants in the following industries have the right talent for the positions to which they apply: finance, accounting, engineering, general services, and office staff.
     
    Take English, for example. As everyone knows, English is a vital skill in China's globalized economy today. But whereas 100% of university students study English (for 6-8 years average), 80% pass CET-4, 30% pass CET -6, ONLY 3% have English fluency needed by the top global companies.
     
    This made me think, "why?" Well, I think it is a combination of reasons: (1) the method of English learning that emphasizes vacabulary, grammar, and punctuation in reading / writing, rather than practice in speaking (large chinese classes make it virtually impossible for students to get enough practice in any classroom); (2) the reticence of Chinese students to speak English in front of others for fear of making mistakes (even if they have a chance to speak and practice English, they seldom do); (3) an English education system that focuses too much on passes the CET exams, not enough on practical everyday usable English.
     
    So, what is the solution?
     
    My suggestion is that "If you wanna be different, then you must do different!"
     
    In other words, if you want to improve your English, and be part of the 3% of Chinese graduates that have oral fluency, then you've got to study English differently than others. So do not simply memorize longs lists of vocabulary for the CET exams, do not worry about making mistakes when speaking. Spend some time everyday writing in English, write an English blog about topics you enjoy, join chatrooms with foreigners on Yahoo, Twitter or sth like that (not just QQ with just your chinese friends ), read foreign news and articles each day for 15 minutes (this will also give you "small talk" topics to discuss with some foreign friends).
     
    I even suggest to my students: if you are serious about making English an important skill in your career, then forget about taking the CET exams, instead focus exclusively on preparing for IELTS or TOEFL. All chinese universities will accept these exams (in place of CET-4), moreover, it will open doors to study abroad and getting job with foreign companies.
     
    If you do those kinds of things, then you can join the elite 3% of China and look forward to adding real value to your career as well as adding value to your company and to China's development!
    4:02 PM | Blog it

    Comments (2)

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    Shane Linwrote:
    For example,reading Ken's article is a good idea on the way to join in the elite 3%
    Nov. 5
    Angelinewrote:
    Ken, those are such good advise. You know what, even me, my English is pretty ok when I was in China right? But now I am in the U.S, I feel what I've learned is still not enough, everyone speaks so fast and some of the words they used I've never heared of it before. So now I am still working on improving my English fluency and ajust myself to the life here. But I really enjoy my stay here, I have lots of chance to pratice my English, and I leaned a lot. About my career, I am working on campus now as a note-taker. I plan half year later, after I don't have any problem of communication and I can drive freely in the U.S and then I will start looking for a job in a company. Well, that's my plan so far, hopefully things will work out like I expected.....
    Sept. 26

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