Career Pathways and Employability of Business Administration Graduates in Human Resource Management: A Tracer Study
Mesarie Q. Silva | Gesan G. Sarupan | Jhon Dave T. Malones | Rainalyne Y. Solusod | Regine A. Tik-ing
Discipline: human resource management
Abstract:
This descriptive-correlational study examined the career pathways and occupational outcomes of Business Administration graduates majoring in Human Resource Management (Batches 2023-2025) at Negros Oriental State University-Guihulngan Campus. Utilizing snowball sampling, the study gathered data from 197 participants, achieving at least a 75% response rate per batch. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests of independence, Cramer's V, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation. Descriptive findings revealed that 79.7% of graduates secured full-time employment, with 59.9% gaining employment within three months post-graduation, primarily in business (48.2%) and human resource (16.8%) sectors. Most occupied rank-and-file roles (63.9%), and 69.4% rated their employment as relevant or very relevant to their degree (M= 3.94). Communication (M= 4.58) and teamwork (M= 4.60) were the most heavily utilized competencies, while core subjects like Training and Development (M= 4.46) were rated highly useful. Inferential analysis revealed no statistically significant relationship between year of graduation and employment status (χ!(2, N = 197) = 2.04, p = .360, V = .126) or between transition challenges and time to secure a first job (χ!(4, N = 197) = 6.22, p = .180, V = .130). However, a statistically significant moderate positive correlation was established between acquired skills and job relevance (r(168) = .37, p = .001). Overall, the program effectively supports graduate employability, offering empirical baselines for targeted curriculum enhancements and digital skill integration.
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