Trajectories of female student’s career decision between high school and college: organizationally separate but developmentally linked

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between experiences in high school, the choice of college majors, and postcollege career decisions among female college students in Korea, applying growth curve modeling. Findings revealed that as students gained college experience, the possibility of a career-related decision increased each year, but slowly. High school type and experience with career-related decision-making during high school significantly increased the incidence of career-related decision-making in college. Results confirmed the salience of career guidance in high school. Choice of college major and occupationally oriented major was significantly related to the incidence of career-related decision-making in college. Students who had not decided on a career track in high school and entered the major-undeclared system in college increased their probability of a career-related decision. This study showed the causal effects of career indecision in high school and undeclared majors in college on career decisions in college. Significant relationship between major selection and career-related decision-making implied that selection of a major should coincide with the career planning process.