From Oxford Master’s to Food Delivery: How One Man’s Journey in China Redefined Success

A man in China has sparked a conversation about education and job opportunities. Ding Yuanzhao, 39, holds impressive degrees from top universities like Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Oxford. Despite his qualifications, he finds himself working as a food delivery rider in Beijing.

Ding’s journey began with a stellar performance on the gaokao, China’s rigorous college entrance exam. He graduated with a degree in chemistry from Tsinghua and went on to earn a master’s in energy engineering, a PhD in biology, and another master’s in biodiversity.

After finishing his postdoctoral work at the National University of Singapore, Ding struggled to land a job. “I sent many CVs and attended over ten interviews,” he shared in a viral video, expressing his frustration. With bills to pay, he turned to food delivery, earning around 700 Singapore dollars weekly by working long hours.

Initially, Ding found satisfaction in his new role. “It’s a stable job. If you work hard, you can earn a decent living,” he said, adding that the physical activity kept him fit. However, he hesitated to pursue private tutoring, citing his shyness in finding clients.

His story resonated on social media, especially after he addressed students who recently completed the gaokao. “If you’ve done well, remember that most work doesn’t make a huge difference,” he said, prompting diverse reactions online. Some questioned the value of education, while others praised his resilience.

Ding’s experience reflects a broader challenge in China. Each year, about 13 million students take the gaokao, yet the job market for young people faces stiff competition. As of May, the unemployment rate for urban youth aged 16 to 24 stood at 14.9%, according to China’s National Bureau of Statistics.

Experts warn that this trend poses significant issues, highlighting the skills gap between graduates and available jobs. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, many graduates are not meeting the demands of the job market, resulting in underemployment—a situation Ding now knows all too well.

Ding’s story illustrates that hard work and dedication don’t always guarantee the expected outcomes. The looming question remains: what does education truly mean in today’s job market?



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China, job market, academic qualifications, food delivery rider, Ding Yuanzhao, Tsinghua University, Peking University, Oxford University, Nanyang Technological University, gaokao, unemployment rate, youth unemployment, Meituan, e-commerce platform, education system, job seekers, career choices.