Our first clue came from Jiao Shifu, our taxi driver:"It's 3pm and you are my third passengers of the day. There was a time when passengers waited for cabs... but these days, empty cabs are eagerly awaiting passengers."

Before long, we arrived at Xueyuan Lu or University Road where scores of graduating students are preparing to enter the job market at a challenging time. Limited opportunities, potential layoffs and lower salaries mean the ride ahead may not be smooth.

"I have to scale down expectations and other preferable conditions and terms. I have to lower my expectations. What's more: I have to widen my career choices, to increase my career options," says Zhai Junfeng, a fresh graduate.

"The challenge is how to turn my knowledge and education into practical use," says Han Nvzi, another fresh graduate.

Sometimes, it's just a matter of looking in the right place.

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