Charles Zhang - Who graduated from MIT and Founded Sohu.com, Shares His Guidance for Students

Charles Zhang Chaoyang, the founder, chairman, and CEO of the Chinese internet pioneer Sohu.com, has counseled Chinese students to eschew graduate education and defer entrepreneurial aspirations until they have professional experience.

In an interview with Rupert Hoogewerf, chairman of China’s Hurun Research Institute, Zhang stated that his postgraduate study had no impact on his commercial endeavors, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

Zhang stated that college graduates should initially get experience by working for a company before embarking on entrepreneurship, suggesting they may thereafter "consider initiating a business" after obtaining practical abilities.

Zhang obtained a PhD in experimental physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1993 and then acted as the institution's liaison officer for China, as reported by China Daily. In 1996, he established Internet Technologies China, the inaugural Chinese internet company to secure venture money. One year later, it was rebranded as Sohu.com.

Zhang's comments arise during China's deteriorating graduate employment problem, exacerbated by economic challenges and trade conflicts. Numerous highly educated young Chinese individuals are encountering difficulties in securing entry-level employment due to reductions in hiring.

Notwithstanding the deceleration, Zhang indicated that chances persist in China's internet sector, particularly for enterprises focusing on consumers rather than business clients, owing to the nation's substantial population. Upon being inquired about his plans for utilizing 100,000 yuan (US$13,923) to initiate a corporation today, he indicated that he initially contemplated artificial intelligence but recognized that the capital would be inadequate. He proposed becoming an online influencer, emphasizing that it would involve merely a minimal crew and no actual office.

The interview, published on the Chinese social media platform Douyin on June 14, rapidly gained viral status. Hoogewerf characterized Zhang as one of the rare Chinese technology entrepreneurs proficient in English. Zhang disclosed during the interview that he had previously experienced an anxiety disorder but asserted that he has "totally recovered" six years ago.

Hoogewerf’s Hurun Research Institute is renowned for its annual publication of the Hurun Rich List, which lists the wealthiest individuals globally. Zhang, 60, was last included on the list in 2022 with a net worth of 5.6 billion yuan ($780 million).

In 2017, Zhang was speculated on Weibo to be in a relationship with "America’s number one singer," a suggestion many netizens associated with Taylor Swift, as reported by The Straits Times. He refuted the conjecture, stating: "It's merely a rumor!" Lack of preference for foreign ladies! I am unfamiliar with Taylor Swift.