Understanding career-designing experiences of North Korean immigrant youths in South Korea

Abstract

North Korean immigrant youth are underrepresented in career development research fields. We explored contextual factors that work as resources or hindrances to obtaining adequate education and exploring career paths in addition to the unfilled psychological needs they want to fill in through securing decent work. By analyzing the interview with 12 participants, we found three domains with 17 categories. The main hindering factors were the difference in language, academic curriculum, and lack of career information. Resources included increased self-understanding, social support, and past work or educational experience. Lastly, psychological needs were the sense of autonomy, economic stability, and social recognition.