Stepping into the future at the ZJU Career Fair

That October afternoon, I walked into the Zijingang gym carrying a stack of freshly printed resumes, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. It was my first real encounter with the professional world.

Over 300 companies had gathered in the gym for the 2026 Graduate Comprehensive Career Fair, offering more than 10,000 job opportunities across fields such as artificial intelligence, new energy, finance, and international trade. With my freshly printed résumés in hand, I stepped inside, eager to explore what the future might hold.

At first, I felt a bit overwhelmed. As a humanities student, I was surrounded by booths from tech firms and manufacturing giants. But I soon noticed how thoughtfully the university had organized the layout. Each section was clearly labeled by industry, allowing me to quickly navigate to the education and international trade zones.

There, I was greeted by enthusiastic HR representatives who patiently answered my questions and shared insights about their companies and roles. Their warmth immediately put me at ease. I left résumés with several organizations that matched my interests and skills, and each conversation left me feeling more inspired. One HR representative from an education group spent nearly twenty minutes with me, explaining their teacher development program and sharing stories about their schools. “We value your humanities background,” she said, “especially the critical thinking and communication skills you've developed.” Her words gave my confidence a real boost.

Around me, students moved eagerly from booth to booth, résumés in hand, eyes full of anticipation. As I made my way through the crowd, I overheard countless conversations—students asking about salaries, workplace locations, and promotion opportunities. Their voices carried the same mix of curiosity and uncertainty I felt. Standing there, surrounded by ambitious yet equally unsure peers, I realized we were all navigating this transition into the professional world together.

Walking out of the gym that day, I felt a mix of uncertainty and hope. Perhaps the future isn’t something to be perfectly planned, but something to be met with an open mind and a willing heart.