Shanghai is the most popular city for new graduates to begin their careers this year. This is according to findings published by Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Taking into account the responses of 11,869 graduates who received their Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degrees as of 30 November 2021, the university’s report revealed that around two-thirds of those polled will start their careers in Shanghai.

In addition, the research shows close to 60% of these graduates secured their jobs in the city, over double the 25.32% who will continue their studies overseas.

In the main, the careers chosen by the graduates including finance, manufacturing, computer science and education, the report went on to add.

Furthermore, out of the 2,058 university graduates who will continue their studies in China, the majority will do so at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Others have been admitted to prestigious universities such as Fudan University, Tsinghua University and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, says am ECNS report.

The findings also revealed just 724 students opted to study outside mainland China. The United States was found to be the most popular destination, with 383 graduates selecting this location, followed by the UK.

The report follows on from plans announced to make Shanghai a ‘globally influential digital hub’ by 2035, with major tech upgrades in the pipeline for numerous industries, according to a Shine news report.

"The digital city upgrade is a national strategy to strengthen China's abilities in manufacturing and broadband. It also offers tools for us to better serve people and their daily lives," said Wu Jincheng, director of the Shanghai Commission of Economy and Information, the city's top industry regulator.

The digital plans include faster 5G networks, digitised hospitals, smart factories, AI and data-driven services.