Admission Leads to Employment... Is There a Department Where Students Receive National and Corporate Scholarships Until Graduation?

On November 4th, universities and companies signed an MOU for the Early Employment Contract Department project at Dong-Eui University.

원본보기 아이콘

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] Dong-Eui University (President Han Su-hwan) signed an MOU on November 4th in the conference room on the 2nd floor of the main building of Dong-Eui University with 16 excellent companies related to hotels, tourism, and dining in the Busan area collaborating with the Early Employment Contract Department (Project Director Kim Sam-yeol).

The agreement included participation from companies such as Golden Tulip Haeundae Hotel & Suites, Ramada Encore Haeundae Hotel, Lavals Hotel, Best Western Haeundae Hotel, BK Company, Centum Premier Hotel, Arban Hotel, Asti Hotel, Ibis Budget Ambassador Haeundae Hotel, Ibis Ambassador Busan Haeundae Hotel, Crown Harbor Hotel Busan, Tower Hill Hotel, Homers Hotel, Hotel Aqua Palace, CAFE DE 220VOLT, and IHM Hotel Foret.

Dong-Eui University and each company agreed to mutually cooperate on △ development of the regional tourism industry △ fostering creative talents △ field trips for enrolled students △ cooperation in practical training and participation in school education △ providing employment opportunities.

President Han Su-hwan of Dong-Eui University said, “I hope this will develop into a leading model that contributes to nurturing local talents and corporate development through close cooperation between Dong-Eui University and excellent local companies.”

Yang Young-joo, CEO of Crown Harbor Hotel Busan, representing the participating companies, said, “Although the tourism industry is facing difficulties due to COVID-19, we expect growth in the travel and tourism sectors in the future. Short-term industry-academia cooperation had some shortcomings in enhancing students’ expertise, but the Early Employment Contract Department project is an innovative and leading system, which is why we decided to participate.”

Dong-Eui University was selected in May by the Ministry of Education for the ‘Early Employment Contract Department Leading University Development Project’ and will receive 6.8 billion KRW in support over six years (4 years + 2 years) from this year until 2025.

This project connects university admission directly to employment and operates on a 3-year, 6-semester system. Dong-Eui University is the only institution operating the Early Employment Contract Department in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam (BUK) region.

The Early Employment Contract Department is a program where employment is confirmed upon university admission and tuition is supported. This year, Dong-Eui University is recruiting 100 freshmen beyond the quota through early and regular admissions in three departments: the College of Business Smart Hospitality Department (30 students), the College of IT Convergence Materials and Components Future Automobile Department (40 students), and the College of ICT Software Convergence Department (30 students). There is no minimum CSAT (College Scholastic Ability Test) score requirement, and applicants who did not take the CSAT can also apply.

However, applicants can only apply once for the Early Employment Contract Department admission track, as multiple applications with other tracks are not allowed.

Selected students sign employment agreements with companies upon admission and receive tuition support. In the first year, students receive company-customized basic major education at the university, and in the second and third years, they combine on-site practical training at the company with their studies.

Admission means immediate employment, and after completing the 3-year curriculum, students earn a bachelor's degree. Tuition in the first year is fully supported by national scholarships through the university, and in the second and third years, the hiring companies cover 50% of tuition and provide regular salaries.

Kim Sam-yeol, Project Director of the Early Employment Contract Department at Dong-Eui University, said, “This program is designed to alleviate youth unemployment and nurture students so that companies, schools, and the government can help young people realize their dreams. We will promote the system and encourage many excellent local companies to participate to cultivate talent.”

The ‘Early Employment Contract Department,’ jointly conducted by the Ministry of Education and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, is a project where excellent local small and medium-sized enterprises collaborate with universities to jointly select freshmen, provide both practical and theoretical education, and proceed with corporate hiring.

Introduced in 2018, five universities including Korea Polytechnic University, Hanyang University ERICA Campus, Kyungil University, Mokpo National University, and Chonnam National University participate. This year, Dong-Eui University, Gachon University, and Soonchunhyang University were selected as second-phase universities.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.