South Korean student-athlete academic satisfaction and future employment: an exploratory study

ABSTRACT

This study rooted in athletic identity theory investigated South Korean student-athletes’ academic satisfaction, their perception of the value of academic learning, and their confidence to find employment after graduation. The participants were 30 student-athletes (20 men, 10 women) from a national university and community college in South Korea. The research design was a cross-sectional survey, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The research findings and relevant literature raise concerns that need to be addressed further as student-athletes invest so much of their time and energy into their athletic programs. Arguably, however, academic institutions are not providing them with a balanced educational experience nor preparing them well enough to transition into society after athletic retirement. Recommendations are provided in light of this concern for the future of student-athletes.

KEYWORDS:

• Student-athletes
• higher education
• academics
• satisfaction
• employment
• South Korea

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mijoo Kim

Mijoo Kim is an Assistant Professor of Physical Education in the Department of Kinesiology at Towson University. She was a former student–athlete and secondary school physical educator in South Korea. Dr. Kim's teaching interests include both physical education teacher education and the sociocultural aspects of physical education. Her research focuses on the intersection between race, gender, and physical activity.

Cynthia Janet Tanis

Cynthia Janet Tanis is Professor and Director of the Graduate Physical Education program in the Kinesiology department at Azusa Pacific University. She teaches research methods and health science classes. Dr. Tanis is passionate about global perspectives and students' holistic development. Her current research focuses on the best practices of online teaching and learning.