Using narrative inquiry, this study explores the identity construction of three Chinese master's degree holders from humanities and social science backgrounds through their employment experiences in South Korea. The findings reveaedl two shared patterns: first, participants faced structural constraints including visa restrictions and language and cultural barriers, that shaped their identity negotiation strategies; second, despite these challenges, participants exercised agency to resist ascribed identities and construct more self-directed ones. At the same time, their identity trajectories differed considerably, reflecting the diversity of individual experiences within a shared social position. This study extends identity and language learning theories to workplace contexts and calls for more flexible visa policies, culturally responsive corporate support, and enhanced vocational Korean language education programs that reflect actual workplace discourse.

Abstract
1. 서론
2. 언어와 정체성
3. 연구 방법
    3.1. 내러티브 탐구
    3.2. 연구 참여자
    3.3. 자료 수집 및 분석
4. 고학력 외국인 유학생의 내러티브
    4.1. 한나의 이야기
    4.2. 은지의 이야기
    4.3. 소희의 이야기
5. 논의 및 결론
참고문헌

• 오심(Ph.D. Candidate, School of Liberal Arts, Yonsei University; 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea) | Qin Wu