Hangzhou

Beijing and Shanghai are still the first choices for fresh college graduates seeking work, but Chengdu, Hangzhou and other new first-tier cities are increasingly attractive for college graduates, too, according to a report by Zhilian Zhaopin, a major job recruitment site in China.

The report is based on a survey conducted among students at 20 top universities, including Peking University, Tsinghua University and Fudan University. Jobs with good pay are still the first priority for fresh graduates, with their average expected monthly incomes standing at 5,792 RMB. They also value the chance to learn new skills, and to develop themselves on a personal level.

The report shows that 36.6 percent of graduates wish to work in foreign enterprises, 21.4 percent in state-owned enterprises, 18 percent in private enterprises, 11.1 percent in public institutions and 7.6 percent in government departments. The report indicates that today's college students care more about a supportive environment than material interests. For them, "respect for employees" is the most important characteristic of an ideal employer.

With more college students gradually entering the work force, the pursuit of more personalized, flexible and free work styles will likely become a trend.