t universities around the world, the pandemic has put classes on hold, and for students graduating this year, the wider socio-economic impact brought about by COVID-19 means they face tougher life choices.

CHEN TIANZHE Senior, Shanghai International Studies University "Anxious is inevitable, I think, because at first when I failed to get a job, I was lost."

Among this year's graduates, abrupt changes of plan are not uncommon. Students who had been admitted to further studies programs abroad, for example, switched to hunting for domestic jobs, and aspiring entrepreneurs were hit by a difficult start.

Because of decreased employment demand, career counselors at Shanghai's universities have tried different approaches, such as reaching out to alumni, and organizing online job fairs to boost possibilities for their graduates.

Luckily for Chen, with the help of his school, he finally landed a job at an alumnus' company. 

"Our school has been extremely supportive and caring of us during the job-seeking process. I think this job is the ideal one for me," said Chen.

And for aspiring entrepreneurs, difficulties equally exist, too. Long before his graduation, senior Zhao Heng had planned to start a private education institution.

"Because I'm not done with the renovation yet, actually over here I will place a projector screen of about 150 inches."

Reporter: "So you're still paying the rent for this house?"

"Yes."

"For how many months was it lying idle?"

"Roughly 5 months already."

Despite the financial pressure and an initial hesitation to give up, Zhao Heng decided he would continue with his startup.

ZHAO HENG Senior, Shanghai International Studies University "I see this more as a life experience. This is what I want to do now, so I will give it my best shot."