The Relationships between Vocational Key Competencies and College Graduate Employment - A Case of K College |
Hwihyung Cho |
대학생의 직업기초능력과 취업 간의 관계에 관한 연구 |
조휘형 |
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Abstract |
The purpose of this study is to elucidate the relationship between vocational key competencies and employment of college graduates. The results of this study are expected to serve as a basis for the creation and operation of a college curriculum of vocational key competencies and as a guide to career development for the graduates. To achieve the purpose of the study, ten vocational key competencies were chosen as research variables, and hypotheses were formulated accordingly. The research hypotheses were tested using empirical data collected from 384 graduates of K College in Gyeonggi-do (204 of them are currently employed) in February 2018. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS and MS Excel software packages. Research findings indicated that occupational ethics, interpersonal ability, and self-development ability were among the competencies seen as the most important in both the employed and unemployed groups. On the other hand, information and technology abilities were ranked lower in both groups. The employed group was found to be superior to the unemployed group with regards to ten vocational key competencies. The difference in the means of vocational key competencies between the two groups was statistically significant for mathematical ability, problem solving ability, self-development ability, organizational understanding ability, and interpersonal ability. However, information ability, communication ability, technical ability, resource management ability, and professional ethics were not statistically significant. The findings of this study are expected to be a cornerstone of the research on the relationship between vocational key competencies and employment as a performance measure. Furthermore, it will contribute to the expansion of the horizon and opportunities in the research on vocational key competencies. Our research results imply that it is imminent to overcome the limitations of the existing curriculum through an innovative liberal education program which is suited to the changes in the environment. A new perspective is required to cultivate talents whom our society needs. |
Key Words:
Vocational Key Competencies, Employment, Liberal Arts Education, Vocational Development, College Student |
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