Philippine E-Journals

Assessing the Contemporary Employment Prospects of DEBESMSCAT Graduate Programs: A Comprehensive Tracer Study

Ulysis Ferreras

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to track the status of DEBESMSCAT Graduate School graduates in three curricular areas from 2017-2021, as well as their personal profiles, professional careers, and perceptions of graduate programs. A descriptive survey method was used. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire created using Google Forms. The study participants were 133 graduates who graduated between 2017 and 2021. The frequency distribution, percentage, and weighted average of the data were calculated. Most of the graduates were single, female, and aged 25-29. The main reason for completing a postgraduate course was the prospect of career advancement and a strong passion for the profession. Graduates were in regular/permanent employment and were promoted within 3 years of graduation. Most of the graduate respondents had a monthly income of P25,000-29,000.00 and a very high level of job satisfaction. The degree they completed was very relevant to their current work. The content of the curriculum was very useful, and the study conditions and postgraduate study conditions were very good in terms of the quality of the faculty's teaching and the academic counseling offered. Competences and skills acquired through the graduate program have a high contribution to the personal and professional development of graduates. Strengths of the graduate program are research competence, quality of teaching, study program and profile of the faculty, application of graduates, and institutional services, on the other hand, weaknesses are equipment, extension, continuity, and institutional services according to the perception of the respondents. It may consider improvements to the curriculum to address its weaknesses and accept suggestions for improvement posted by students.