Effects of Career Barriers That College Graduates Perceive on Falling into NEETs in Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of career barriers that four-year college graduates experience on falling into NEETs in Korea. Data were from the Graduates Occupational Mobility Survey 2018 who graduated from colleges of Education and four-year universities and were under 30 years old. A total of 13,596 respondents were analyzed employing descriptive statistics, ordinary least squares, and logistic regression. For career barriers, responses on a five-point Likert scale were categorized into two groups (experience career barriers or not experienced) and summed up as an indicator ranged 0 (Min.) to 9 (Max.). Findings revealed that lack of social support and care (27.1%) and lack of career plans were the top two types of career barriers. About 58.2% did not experience career barriers (indicator = 0), and 0.1% extremely experienced career barriers (indicator = 9). Female graduates experienced more career barriers than male graduates. As their ages get close to 30, the degree of career barriers decreases. About 40% experienced at least one type of career barriers. About 19.5% were NEETs, and female graduates (21.9%) were higher than their counterparts (17.5%). Geographically, there were the least NEETs in Seoul and most in Gyungsang. For majors, there were the least NEETs in the medical field and most in humanity and social science. Respondents who wanted to change their majors if they could have more probability of falling into a NEET, while those who were satisfied with career education as students were less likely to become a NEET. Based on the results, policy implications are discussed.