This study investigated correlation among satisfaction with major and career decision-making, which are cognitive aspects; career barrier and career decision-making self efficacy, emotional aspects; and career preparation behaviors, behavioral aspect, and proposed a perspective that maintains balance among these three aspects. Also, by identifying the relationship among the variables, it aimed to propose implications for systematic career guidance and education for college students majoring in social welfare.
For the study, a survey was conducted among students majoring in social welfare in eight universities located in Gyeongnam and Busan and 546 copies of data were used for the final analysis.
The collected data were analyzed by using SPSS 20.0 and AMOS 20.0 Program, based on descriptive statistics and frequency analysis, and, for reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and hypothesis testing, path analysis was performed based on a structural equation. The results were as follows:
First, in the analysis of the effect of major satisfaction on self-efficacy, the effect was significant.
Second, in the analysis of the effect of major satisfaction on career decision-making, the effect was not significant.
Third, in the analysis of the effect of major satisfaction on career preparation behavior, the effect was not significant.
Fourth, in the analysis of the effect of career barrier on career decision-making self-efficacy, the effect was significant.
Fifth, in the analysis of the effect of career barrier on career decision-making, the effect was significant. Sixth, in the analysis of the effect of career barrier on career preparation behaviors, the effect was no significant.
Seventh, in the analysis of the effect of career decision-making self-efficacy on the career decision level, the effect was significant.
Eight, in the analysis of the effect of career decision level on career preparation behaviors, the effect was significant.
Ninth, in the analysis of the effect of major satisfaction on career preparation behaviors through mediation of career decision-making self-efficacy and career decision-making, a significant positive effect was found.
Tenth, in the analysis of the effect of career barrier on career preparation behaviors through mediation of career decision-making self-efficacy and career decision, higher career barrier led to lower career decision-making self-efficacy, career decision, and career preparation behaviors.
Findings in this study suggest, in order to improve satisfaction with major among students, it is important to suggest and encourage communicating with their professors relevant to their major, because the professors can provide support with their knowledge and information related to the major and, thereby, help the students prepare for their future career.
Also, it is necessary to increase career decision-making self-efficacy in students, by, for instance, offering various programs via student counseling centers or employment support centers so that students can objectively view themselves and find their strengths.
Furthermore, for students to decide career based on their interests and aptitude, universities need to develop career guidance manuals and programs according to major and year as well as offer a career education course for students to explore career options based on their personal interests and aptitude.
Lastly, in order to improve career preparation behaviors, it will be helpful to organize mentor-mentee programs with seniors or professionals in the field and provide motivation and support for the students.
This study was meaningful in that it investigated factors related to career of university students majoring in social welfare, especially at a time when career prospect in social welfare is not improving despite the government's effort to create jobs.