（The Voice of CCNU）In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, higher education institutions are placing greater emphasis on their responsibility to cultivate high-quality talents to adapt to these transformations. The Digital Media Art program at Central China Normal University’s School of Fine Arts (hereinafter referred to as the "DMA program") has implemented a series of initiatives, including early planning and detailed guidance, to comprehensively steer graduates in rational planning of academic studies and career development through multiple measures, thereby supporting students’ growth and advancement.
To gain comprehensive insights into the 2021 cohort's internship performance, pre-employment preparations, and career expectations, the DMA program conducted a comprehensive survey on employment intentions. Through organized face-to-face faculty-student exchanges, it provided tailored guidance and assistance based on each graduate's evolving career plans and specific challenges encountered, ensuring alignment with the program's distinctive strengths.
During their senior year, students often face stress and uncertainty due to graduation projects, further education, and job-hunting pressures. This can lead to unfocused academic efforts and vague career goals. Some students, after repeated interview rejections, may fall into self-doubt and negativity. Teachers, leveraging their understanding of students’ professional competencies, step in to analyze individual strengths, affirm students’ potential, and encourage proactive career planning. By emphasizing “disciplinary strengths”, instructors guide students in crafting portfolios and resumes that highlight their technical expertise. Together, they outline short- and long-term goals, helping students balance academic responsibilities, complete graduation projects, and prepare systematically for employment.
Aligning with students’ career or academic aspirations, and building on the college’s graduation project mentorship system, teachers provide goal-oriented project guidance to seniors. The graduation project serves not only as an academic milestone but also as a validation of professional skills. The focus shifts to applying knowledge to real-world problem-solving while cultivating comprehensive abilities and innovative thinking. For example, for students aiming to become technical artists in gaming, instructors emphasize the application of 3D modeling, texturing, scene design, and project execution using industry-standard game engines (e.g., Unity or Unreal Engine). Through such targeted projects, students demonstrate both academic rigor and job-ready skills, directly boosting their competitiveness in the job market.
Building on the college’s "Visit Enterprises, Expand Opportunities, Promote Employment" initiative, which focuses on understanding industry demands, the Digital Media program organized a specialized seminar titled "Decoding Career Opportunities in the Gaming Industry" for students. The seminar aimed to dissect industry trends and technological advancements through the latest reports and real-world case studies, particularly emphasizing the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on job roles and the emergence of new workflows. Professor Li Zijian detailed the opportunities and challenges facing the gaming sector, highlighting how AI is reshaping production pipelines and fostering innovative working methods. He noted that while repetitive tasks are increasingly automated by AI advancements, this shift does not reduce job opportunities but instead pushes professionals to upskill and transition into higher-level specialized roles.
Additionally, to help students navigate employment policies, the Digital Media program invited Li Ting, the senior-year counselor, to interpret complex policy documents in plain language. Her session translated intricate regulations into accessible insights, ensuring every student gained clear, actionable guidance for their career planning.
In this era of rapid change, we recognize that the mission of education extends beyond imparting knowledge—it is about creating a future-aligned learning ecosystem that empowers students to thrive. The Digital Media faculty encourages every senior to discover their potential through their academic journey, equipping them to confidently embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We believe that with dedication, adaptability, and the skills honed during this critical phase, our graduates will not only navigate but also shape the evolving landscapes of their chosen fields.
Source: School of Fine Arts
Translator: Dong Yunzi
Date: February 25, 2025
