• 공학교육연구
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.26-36
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• 2020

This study aims to investigate the effect of college choice factors on withdrawal intention of first-year undergraduates in STEM majors. The data for this study were collected from a national sample of 4-year institutions that participated in Collegiate Longitudinal Study funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea during 2013-2014. The data included 1,484 students in STEM majors from 30 institutions, and this study used bivariate and multivariate analytic methods to answer the research questions. This study found that while the internal dimensions of college choice showed a negative effect on the intention to dropout, external dimensions of college choice such as college environment, financial accessibility, admission possibility had a positive effect on the intention. The findings indicate that it is necessary to pay attention to college choice for enrollment management to prevent first-year undergraduates in STEM majors from dropping out.

• 공학교육연구
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.13-31
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• 2024

In recent times, STEM graduates are confronting a decline in employment rates influenced by economic, social, cultural, and policy-related factors. Career decisions are closely linked to education, college experiences, and university settings. To comprehend the reasons behind the decline in STEM employment, it is essential to explore the relationships among these factors. This study aims to comprehensively examine differences in career motivation and career exploration behavior among 2,393 STEM undergraduates in Korea. Additionally, factors affecting career motivation and career exploration behavior were investigated. The findings indicate significant differences in perceived career motivation and career exploration behavior based on individual backgrounds and university characteristics. And analyzing the data, 37.8% of career motivation is explained by contextual supports, career barriers, individual backgrounds (grade, GPA), university characteristics (major fields, location), field to enter after graduation, and timing of job preparation. For career exploration behavior, 30.1% is explained by contextual supports, career barriers, individual backgrounds (gender, grade, GPA), university characteristics (major field, location), field to enter after graduation, and timing of job preparation. Practical implications underscore the need for tailored educational and policy support, considering individual backgrounds and university characteristics, to effectively address challenges faced by STEM graduates in the evolving employment landscape.