Abstract The purpose of this article was to explore the diversification of employment strategies among vocational and technical college students in Lishui, Zhejiang, China, and to propose optimization strategies for college management systems to support these diversified employment strategies. In recent years, the employment situation for college graduates has been severe, with persistent pressure on college students’ employment prospects. This study used a partial least squares logistic regression model to investigate the employment quality of college students. The methodology included verifying the fit and significance of the regression model, analyzing relevant factors that affect employment, and proposing optimization strategies for college management systems. The study started with a discussion on the growing competitive pressure in the job market caused by the increasing number of graduates. Survey data were collected from senior students in Zhejiang Province and analyzed using SPSS17. The regression model was found to have a high degree of fit, with significant Wald statistics. According to the results, 88% of students favored working in institutions and social service organizations, followed by government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and foreign enterprises. Private enterprises and military units were not as preferred. The study proposed several optimization strategies for college management systems, including standardizing career guidance courses, establishing a comprehensive web-based employment service platform, and implementing a feedback mechanism for continuous improvement. The objective of these strategies is to significantly enhance the job prospects for vocational and technical college students in Lishui, Zhejiang, China.