More than 3,000 college graduates went to their new posts as village officials in the outskirts of Beijing this week.

Beijing Morning Post reports that so far, some 8,000 college graduates have taken up positions in rural Beijing. The capital has realized its goal of having two college graduates working in each village.

Many of the graduates say working in the rural areas can temper their will and enrich their life experiences. They believe the vast rural areas could provide them with a broad stage to which they can bring their wisdom and creativity.

While students have shown increasing interest and confidence in working in rural positions, the paper quotes sociologists as saying that such choices are partly a result of the shrinking urban job market.

The rising interest also stems from a new government policy that those who serve for three years in a village will have priority when they apply for new jobs in public sectors or large companies.

Therefore, experts suggest college graduates should NOT regard their work in rural villages as a springboard, and not simply idle away time there. Instead, they should take the opportunity to get in touch with the rural people and learn their needs and desires, then broaden their minds so they can better serve the public.