WHERE ARE THEY NOW? A TRACER STUDY ON THE CAREER OUTCOMES OF BACHELOR OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION GRADUATES
Keywords:
BEEd graduates, career outcomes, employment, graduate tracer study, curriculum relevanceAbstract
This study examined the career outcomes of Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) graduates of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U)–Miagao Campus from the 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 graduating cohorts. Specifically, it investigated graduates’ personal and educational profiles, employment status, first-job experiences, career progression, perceived curriculum relevance, useful competencies, and recommendations for program improvement. A descriptive research design employing quantitative and qualitative approaches was utilized. Data were collected from 283 graduates through a tracer survey questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, rankings, and thematic analysis. Results revealed that 85.51% of respondents were female, 53.71% received Latin honors, and 93.64% were Licensed Professional Teachers. Formal teaching was the leading first-job category (46.64%), while 86.93% were currently employed, with 63.60% working in the education sector. Moreover, 65.72% perceived the curriculum as relevant to their first job. Salary increases (47.35%) and expanded responsibilities (39.58%) were the most reported forms of career advancement. Communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills were identified as the most useful workplace competencies. Qualitative findings highlighted professional licensure, further studies, leadership, employment regularization, and entrepreneurship as career milestones. Graduates recommended more hands-on teaching experiences, stronger educational technology integration, updated learning resources, and relevant professional development activities. The study concludes that the BEEd program supports graduates’ employability and professional growth, while emphasizing the need to strengthen practical preparation, career support, and curriculum responsiveness.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Janice Irene T. Noble, Robert John M. Eliab, Helen N. Perlas, Fritzy M. Balisang, Jude Cris Alonso T. Elle, Jesie Marie E. Fermindoza (Author)
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