Factors related to the early career settlement of male and female engineering graduates in Korea

The factors contributing to early career settlement of male and female engineering graduates in Korea were investigated through a survey of graduates from the most recent five years. The survey investigated employment-related undergraduate curricular and extracurricular activities, job searches and the employment outcome. Regression analyses were carried out to identify significant variables that correlated with job satisfaction. The results showed that a higher level of satisfaction in their major, more knowledge about the job and the company and motivation for better career advancement were the major contributing factors to a high level of job satisfaction at the early stage of a career. Advanced degrees helped to increase job satisfaction. Males had a higher level of job satisfaction than females. Based on the survey results, various employment and career development programs were suggested, including programs specifically for female engineering graduates.