Purpose: This study examined the effects of career decision-making self-efficacy and major satisfaction on employment self-efficacy among junior college students majoring in beauty-related fields, and explored the career decision-making process using a mixed-methods design. Methods: A survey was conducted with 356 students enrolled in the beauty department at a junior college in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, hierarchical regression analysis, and mediation analysis with the PROCESS macro (Model 4). In addition, open-ended responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Career decision-making self-efficacy had the strongest positive effect on employment self-efficacy, with major satisfaction partially mediating this relationship. The qualitative findings identified key features of the career decision-making process, including autonomous decision-making supported by relational influences, information-seeking and preparation-oriented strategies, and action-oriented and adaptation-centered attitudes. Conclusion: Employment self-efficacy is not merely a result of technical skill acquisition but a dynamic psychological construct shaped by the interaction between career decision-making experiences and perceived alignment between majors and career paths. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening career exploration and preparation competencies and enhancing perceived major–career alignment within beauty education.
Lee et al. (2026) studied this question.