Korean Job Discussion Forums

ntwrightsmom · Joined: 19 Oct 2007

I have applied for some university jobs, and I am wondering what my prospects are. Here is my situation:

1. Master's degree in theology

2. Have worked at a hagwon since August

Will I be warmly received even though I don't have any experience? Or do most universities require more experience even if one has a Master's? Or perhaps my degree is unhelpful, because it is in theology.

I am curious. How many people apply for the average university job? And of that number, how many applicants have a Master's degree? And of that number, how many have a degree in English?

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

An unrelated MA degree is usually fine, if you have teaching experience already.

Billy Pilgrim · Joined: 08 Sep 2004

Experience is a must at our university. If you only had a couple of months in a hogwon in Korea as teaching experience, we wouldn't consider you.

We don't discriminate against the type of Masters though.

ajstew · Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Location: Korea

I'd say fine too. It (M.A. in religion too) helped me get my first university job. I now have 5 years experience in universities.... and am looking for a new university job. I've applied for all of the good/decent ones on this site too. So I'll see if it helps again.

jlb · Joined: 18 Sep 2003

I was in the exact same position. 2 years at the hagwon with a Masters in Theology. I got a great job at a Christian uni. You should be fine. Just network.

ntwrightsmom · Joined: 19 Oct 2007

Pilgrim, where do you work?

Arthur Dent · Joined: 28 Mar 2007 Location: Kochu whirld

I'll give you fifty bucks for it!! Laughing

I have heard from several University teachers that the best way is to know someone who works there. Many teachers seem to pass their jobs on to friends once they leave. Networking! Still, I have a friend who got a job at the Womens University in Gwangju simply by applying. However she had great qualifications, govt. experience at home, teacher training experience in China, and experience at hagwons.
She also made a list of all Uni's - which took some time on the net - and did a lot of research on them before mailing out applications. Later she discovered the list in book form in - I believe - a bookstore. Still she has started her 2nd year there and seems to like it, despite the usual start-up hassles. Currently her and her boyfriend are doing their masters.

A theology degree could only help you at most institutions in Korea.