The Effect of Social Capital on College Students’ Initial Job Selection in South Korea

Abstract

This study aims to explore whether college and family social capital influences the job selection of college students. When demographic variables such as gender and college type are controlled for, logistic regression of 2,145 college students shows that only college social capital, such as peer friendship (β = .160), extracurricular activities (β = .096), and academic advisors counseling (β = .047), affects their job selection. Based on this finding, college students, on and off campus, are recommended to form close networks with various college constituents, and academic advisors to make continuous network with their students. In addition, college administrations can help build career-oriented extracurricular activities and encourage college students to participate in these activities.