Most Chinese college graduates in 2009 were not well prepared for the workplace, lacking in professional skills. They found little room for career development and were also constrained by low pay in their jobs, according to a recent survey.

Carried out by www.people.com.cn and MyCOS HR Digital Information Co. Ltd., from last December to March 15, the survey questioned 8,718 people who graduated in 2009.

The results show nearly 20 percent of the participates believed their knowledge and abilities were not meeting their employers' needs after half a year's work.

Of these 20 percent, those who worked in finance, insurance, real estate and medical institutions thought most lowly of their skills gained at college.

Regarding opportunities for career promotion, 29 percent of females and 26 percent of males surveyed thought this a major problem for them.

Also, those graduates working in wholesale, retail, travel, hotels and catering were less confident about their career prospects than the others surveyed.