Tracer Study on the Career Outcomes and Employability of Information Technology Graduates from Southern Leyte State University-Tomas Oppus (2018-2023)

Authors

  • Jose Agoylo Jr. Southern Leyte State University - Tomas Oppus Campus Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8008-8206
  • Felanie V. Docena Southern Leyte State University – Tomas Oppus Campus, Southern Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Mary Ann C. Paulin Southern Leyte State University – Tomas Oppus Campus, Southern Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Kim N. Subang Southern Leyte State University – Tomas Oppus Campus, Southern Leyte, Philippines Author

Keywords:

tracer study , employability, information technology, remote work , curriculum

Abstract

A tracer study is a research approach for tracking graduates' progress and job outcomes in order to assess educational program performance and alignment with industry objectives. This study looks at the professional accomplishments of information technology graduates from Southern Leyte State University-Tomas Oppus (SLSU-TO) from 2018 to 2023. Employing a descriptive research method, the study utilized structured and semi-structured questionnaires to gather descriptive quantitative data from 282 graduates. The findings of the study are that 80% of the graduates secured employment, 70% of employed graduates work in fields directly related to their IT degree, highlighting the program's success, and 60% of graduates are engaged in remote work, with 80% expressing satisfaction with its flexibility. Despite these successes, graduates faced challenges such as adapting to new technologies, maintaining work-life balance, and navigating job market competition. The study underscores the importance of regular curriculum updates and stronger industry collaboration to enhance graduates' employability and career readiness. These insights are vital for informing policy development and curriculum improvements at SLSU-TO, ensuring the IT program remains competitive in the rapidly evolving technology sector.

References

Albina, A.C., & Sumagaysay, L.P. (2020). Employability tracer study of Information Technology Education graduates from a state university in the Philippines. Social Sciences & Humanities Open.

Aquino, F. (2019). Employability of Graduates: A Study of Higher Education Institutions in the Philippines. Manila: Philippine Journal of Education.

Cuadra, L. J., Aure, M. R. K. L., & Gonzaga, G. L. (2019). The use of tracer study in improving undergraduate programs in the university. Asia Pacific Higher Education Research Journal (APHERJ), 6(1).

Hossain, M. I., Yagamaran, K. S. A., Afrin, T., Limon, N., Nasiruzzaman, M., & Karim, A. M. (2018). Factors influencing unemployment among fresh graduates: a case study in Klang Valley, Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research in Business & Social Sciences, 8(9).

Mina, J.C., Reyes, E.J.G., & Salas, R.F. (2020). A tracer study of bachelor of science in information technology (BSIT) graduates of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), San Isidro. International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences.

Mwebi, R.B., & Nzioki, P.M. (2020). Does University Education Produce “Half-Baked” Graduates? Perspectives from Graduates of a Kenyan University.

Refugia, J. (2021). Employment status and the challenges encountered by criminology graduates. International Journal of Educational Management and Development Studies, 2(3), 101-120.

Reyes, J. (2021). Career Trajectories of IT Graduates in the Visayas Region. Cebu: Visayas Journal of Information Technology.

Schomburg, H. (2016). Handbook for Tracer Studies. Kassel: International Centre for Higher Education Research.

Woya, A. A. (2019). Employability among statistics graduates: Graduates’ attributes, competence, and quality of education. Education Research International, 2019(1), 7285491.

Downloads

Published

2024-10-24

How to Cite

Agoylo Jr., J., Docena, F., Paulin, M. A., & Subang, K. . (2024). Tracer Study on the Career Outcomes and Employability of Information Technology Graduates from Southern Leyte State University-Tomas Oppus (2018-2023). International Multidisciplinary Journal of Research for Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence (IMJRISE), 1(10), 428-434. https://risejournals.org/index.php/imjrise/article/view/753