In my quest for employment within the animation industry in China, I embarked on a thorough exploration of various studios and companies during the spring recruitment season. While I researched and applied to numerous organizations, including well-established entities like FunPlus, a game company founded in Silicon Valley in 2010, and Light Chaser Animation, a renowned animation film studio in China, I encountered certain challenges and limitations.
The Competitive Job Market:
During my search, I discovered that many Chinese companies, regardless of their size, often required a minimum of two years of work experience for their positions. Even teaching roles in prestigious high schools in major cities now demand candidates with doctoral degrees. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation, resulting in a sluggish economy and limited recruitment opportunities. Many companies are facing financial difficulties and are unable to expand their workforce, making the job search for recent graduates like myself exceptionally challenging and highly competitive.
Overcoming Obstacles:
Given the prevailing circumstances and the disadvantage of lacking animation-related work experience, I faced numerous rejections as a fresh graduate. Consequently, I am considering alternative paths to kickstart my career. One option is to embrace freelancing and explore opportunities with animation companies abroad, as my instructor previously mentioned regarding the UK animation industry. Platforms like Fiverr provide avenues to showcase my skills, accumulate commercial projects, and gain valuable experience, ultimately enhancing my prospects for securing a stable job in the future.
The current employment landscape in the Chinese animation industry poses significant challenges for fresh graduates. The demand for experienced professionals and the economic impact of the pandemic have limited job opportunities. Nevertheless, I remain determined to pursue my passion and adapt to the changing circumstances. Exploring freelance work and international possibilities offer potential pathways to build experience and ultimately find a stable position in the industry.