The Challenges of Public Health, Social Work, and Psychological Counselling Services in South Korea: The Issues of Limited Support and Resource
Abstract
:1. Introduction
1.1. Background of the Study: The Current Public Health, Social Work, and Psychological Counselling Services in South Korea
1.2. Purpose of the Study
1.3. Theoretical Framework
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Participation
- Currently working in a field other than public health, social work, and psychological counselling services;
- Graduated no more than three years;
- Completed their academic degree in the field of public health, social work, and psychological counselling services from an international university outside South Korea;
- At least 18 years old;
- Non-vulnerable person;
2.2. Data Collection
2.3. Data Analysis
2.4. Human Protection and Ethical Consideration
3. Results
3.1. Public Health, Social Work, and Psychological Counselling Services-Related Positions are not Available
…for those who want to join the field, there are only two ways, either start your own non-profit or enter the government. Public health, social work, and psychological counselling are not easy jobs…in South Korea, even if I graduated from a top-tier university, there are no positions…it depends on internships and networking…at least I don’t have savings to start my own [organization]. Even if I do have millions, I cannot recruit all graduates…
I wish I could leave this meaningless position in valet parking. But I am glad that I can laugh in front of all customers all the time. At least I learnt social work skills. Even if I don’t want to work, I must work for basic living.
The government said there are rooms to open our center. But it has been four years. I want to go back to public health, social work, and psychological counselling services. But can I come back? I am afraid six years later I will not have the courage to leave my position in this hotel.
I understood there were no opportunities once I graduated. This was my own choice…I cannot work as a professional in the field of public health, social work, and psychological counselling services now. But I can enjoy chatting with my customers in the hotel. I can help my customers and other co-workers at my workplace…But this is very stupid…I have my professional skills in the field of public health, social work, and psychological counselling services…But I cannot use my multilingual skills and professional skills to help the correct minorities and people who are suffering from pain…
…I enjoy working as an administrative assistant. I can coordinate some printing workshops with the center users and members. I don’t think I can open my center because I don’t understand how to operate a counselling center. I would rather use the money for my down payment…for my apartment and unit…perhaps my children in the future?
3.2. Modelling Peers
3.2.1. Modelling and Referral from Classmates
Several of my classmates studied hospitality and tourism management. They were able to seek their first full-time position right after their internships. Therefore, they referred me to their department supervisor and recruited me. I am so fortunate to have a full-time job after I came back.
In South Korean culture, references from others are key to finding opportunities. My classmates in the business administration program told their bosses to recruit me. I applied for many positions…but no responses…most of my friends were doing well in the hotel, so I wanted to join and try too.
3.2.2. Modelling and Referral from Cousins
I sent out my applications and CV [curriculum vitae] at the beginning of my last year of university. No responses or interviews. I knew my cousin was working in the parking department, so I sought him out for help. I cannot say I like it, but I know I must survive.
Public health, social work, and psychological counselling services are not a trend…the biggest companies are in France, the United Kingdom, Italy, the United States and other western countries. I understand the direction has been switched. I cannot wait for a lottery…after 15 months of unemployment, my cousin helped me to send out my CV to her department head in a hotel restaurant…
3.3. Lack of Career Development Skills
3.3.1. Afraid to Start Own Centers and Non-Profit Organizations
During university, the only public health, social work, and psychological counselling services professionals that I could encounter were my lecturers. They were very successful social workers, counsellors, and health professionals. But I could not learn ideas from them about establishing my own center. Most of them never started their own centers, so how could they have taught me?
I don’t know how to attract residents and tourists to my center…if I start in a small community. The program curriculum does not have such courses…they only trained us as a professional service provider. But professional service providers also need money to survive.
I know how to promote sexual health, elderly service, youth service, and women’s issues…During the last year of university, we had to learn how to serve multi-cultural and social disabled people from countries with political unrest…but I wanted to start my center. But I somehow didn’t know how to start the center. One or two counselling professionals may operate many of the centers in the market. But these centers don’t hire outsiders. We have to start our own. But I didn’t have the business sense…
3.3.2. Lack of Interdisciplinary and Practical Skills
Many international hotels are using technology to design their art products. But I am still in the 70s. I know how to draw and paint in watercolors with art therapy. But how to use a computer to print and how to use the computer to assist…I don’t know.
My skill is in counselling and visual counselling. I know how to use a different color. My interests are all about color, cutting, and fitting. But in the wardrobe and linen department, they mainly focus on washing the clothes. I never learned that at university. I wish I understood, but I don’t want to lie to the manager.
…I applied for a newspaper journalist position. I wanted to write some articles for the forums. But they only recruited from the traditional section. I never studied, so I was refused an offer. For now, I apply for other contract writer and advertisement writer positions. Their requirements and expectations are not in my expertise…
4. Discussion
5. Limitations, Future Research Directions, and Conclusion
5.1. Limitations and Future Research Directions
5.2. Conclusions
Funding
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Name | Gender | Age | Major | Current Position |
---|---|---|---|---|
Participant#1 | F | 24 | Public Health | Administrative Assistant |
Participant#2 | F | 23 | Social Work | Administrative Assistant |
Participant#3 | M | 23 | Health Promotion | Ticket Seller |
Participant#4 | M | 25 | Social Work | Reservation Attendant |
Participant#5 | M | 26 | Social Work and Mental Counselling | Hotel Front Office Attendant |
Participant#6 | F | 23 | Mental Counselling | Hotel Concierge Attendant |
Participant#7 | M | 24 | Social Work | Valet Parking Attendant |
Participant#8 | F | 27 | Public Health and Social Work | Receptionist |
Participant#9 | F | 28 | Psychological Counselling | Restaurant Servant |
Participant#10 | M | 29 | Psychological Counselling | Advertisement Assistant |
Participant#11 | F | 24 | Psychological Counselling | Marketing Assistant |
Participant#12 | M | 25 | Psychological Counselling | Security Supervisor |
Themes and Subthemes | ||
---|---|---|
3.1. | Public Health, Social Work, and Psychological Counselling Services: Positions are Reserved | |
3.2. | Modelling Peers | |
3.2.1. | Modelling and Referral from Classmates | |
3.2.2. | Modelling and Referral from Cousins | |
3.3. | Lack of Career Development Skills | |
3.1. | Afraid to Start Own Centers and Non-Profit Organizations | |
3.2. | Lack of Interdisciplinary and Practical Skills |
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Share and Cite
Dos Santos, L.M. The Challenges of Public Health, Social Work, and Psychological Counselling Services in South Korea: The Issues of Limited Support and Resource. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 2771. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082771
Dos Santos LM. The Challenges of Public Health, Social Work, and Psychological Counselling Services in South Korea: The Issues of Limited Support and Resource. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17(8):2771. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082771
Chicago/Turabian StyleDos Santos, Luis Miguel. 2020. "The Challenges of Public Health, Social Work, and Psychological Counselling Services in South Korea: The Issues of Limited Support and Resource" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 8: 2771. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082771