Mapping Pathways to Success: Tracer Study on The Employability and Career Status of School of Education Graduates -2019, Sulu State College

Abstract

This research paper presents a tracer study conducted to assess the employability status of graduates. The study aims to investigate the extent to which graduates are able to secure employment after completing their education and to identify factors that contribute to their employability. The research methodology involved collecting data from a sample of graduates through a survey questionnaire both online and offline. The survey questionnaires included questions pertaining to the graduate’s employment status job satisfaction, the relevance of their education to their current job including the skills and knowledge they acquired during their studies. Additionally, data on the graduate’s demographic characteristics such as age gender and education. Only 84.23% of the monitored gradate were female, according to the study's findings, while 15.77% were men. Furthermore, only 21% of people are married, while 79% are unmarried. The findings of the study indicate a relatively positive employability status among the surveyed graduates. 84 (37.84%) of the participants successfully obtained employment in their desired fields while 126 (62.16%) remained unemployed or were engaged in job not related to their qualifications. while 14 (5.31%) has permanent status. The study also uncovered several factors that influenced graduates' employability including the relevant skills and status of employment. Furthermore, the research findings highlight the importance of ensuring that higher education institutions equip students with the necessary skills and competencies demanded. In line with this recommendations are provided to enhance the employability of graduates such as improving curriculum design to align with industry requirements, fostering internships and work-integrated learning opportunities and enhancing career services and alumni networks. Overall, this tracer study provides valuable insights in the employability status of graduates and offers recommendations for promoting better employment outcomes for future graduates. The findings contribute to the existing literature on graduate employability and inform policymakers, administrations, and other stakeholders involved in shaping the curricula and programs.