| Title |
A Case Study on the Career Path of Local 5 Year Architecture Program’s Graduates |
| Authors |
Kim, Duk-Su ; ParkJong-Sung |
| Keywords |
Architectural Career Development ; Architectural Education ; Architectural Sociology |
| Abstract |
Many local universities are experiencing the difficulties in recruiting new students due to the change of population composition in Korea by a fast decline in birthrate. The difficult situations in local universities are steadily worsen, according to the difficulties in career opportunity caused by slowing of the economy. This exploratory case study aims at generating clear understandings and raising serious problems in architectural career development of graduates from local universities, while focusing on the class of 2008 to 2011. The study found as follows. First, outstanding graduates left for the Seoul metropolitan area to find better career opportunity, loosing ties with a local architectural community and, consequently, hindering the development of local architectural business. In addition, student wastage rates in case programs are high as about 12 percentage, including students who was expelled from and dropped out of the program. Finally, career termination rates are high to female graduates than male counterparts, asking necessary actions for equal opportunities. Even though the study has limitations mostly in sampling, the study significance lies in illuminating the timetable regarding career development. This study recommends that: (1) architectural firms treat the graduates from 5 year architectural programs appropriately, according to their elaborated education; (2) the architectural programs guide students to find a career suited to their disposition and best interests, not only focusing on architectural design; and (3) students start their architectural career with a long-term view. |