Analysis of Research Trends in Career Aspirations: Focusing on Keyword Network Analysis

Purpose: This study systematically examines career aspiration research trends published in Korean academic journals over the past 20 years, providing insights for future research. Methods: A total of 131 articles published in Korea Citation Index (KCI)-listed journals from 2004 to June 2024 were analyzed. Both descriptive statistics and keyword network analysis were employed to analyze publication trends and thematic structures. Results: The findings revealed five major trends: (1) career aspiration research peaked between 2011 and 2013, coinciding with the implementation of career education policies; (2) studies predominantly focused on education, with college students as the primary population; (3) quantitative methodologies dominated, with career barriers and self-efficacy emerging as core variables; (4) O'Brien's (1992) Career Aspiration Scale was the primary measurement tool; and (5) keyword network analysis identified four distinct communities: career exploration of elementary students, academic achievement and social support of college students, parental influence, and career barriers of adolescents. Academic Contribution: This study suggests expanding research scope to include diverse populations and methodologies, particularly emphasizing qualitative approaches to understand career aspirations in the rapidly changing job environment. The findings provide practical implications for designing career education programs and policies.