College graduates became more realistic toward employment this year, and 20 percent of them would accept zero payment, a big jump from last year's 1.2 percent, the Beijing Times reported Monday, citing a survey.

The 2010 college graduates employment pressure survey was conducted by the China Communist Youth League Beijing Committee and the Beijing Youth Stress Management Service Center, collecting over 5,300 questionnaires.

According to the survey results, salary expectations for junior college, college, master's and doctorate graduates are 2,000, 2,500, 3,000-3,500 and 4,500-5,000 yuan, respectively.

Some 18.5 percent of junior college graduates and 20 percent of college graduates are willing to accept zero payment, the survey said. More than 10 percent of master's and doctorate respondents also said they would accept zero payment.

Many respondents said they would accept zero payment if the work can help them enhance their ability, accumulate experience, meet their own interests, or is conducive to long-term development.

"The result indicates that graduates are more realistic toward employment," said Xiong Hanzhong, head of the service center.

The results also showed that more graduates are willing to work in less-developed areas of the western regions and suburbs.

(chinadaily.com.cn May 24, 2010)