Career Outcomes And Employability Of It Graduates: A Tracer Study
Keywords:
Tracer study, Education, Graduate employability, Information Technology, Remote work, SLSU-TO, Curriculum reformAbstract
A tracer study is a method of student outcome research that tracks graduates' career progress and employment to evaluate program performance in meeting industry demands. This study focuses on the career outcomes and employability of IT graduates from Southern Leyte State University-Tomas Oppus (SLSU-TO) between 2018 and 2023. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling method to ensure diverse representation across graduation years. Data were gathered through structured and semi-structured questionnaires distributed electronically and in-person, allowing comprehensive and flexible participation from 282 respondents. The study revealed that 80% of graduates secured employment, with 70% in roles directly relevant to their IT degree. Remote work was prevalent among 60% of respondents, of whom 80% expressed satisfaction due to its flexibility. Challenges faced by graduates included adapting to new technologies, balancing work-life demands, and competing in a dynamic job market. These findings underscore the need for curricular reforms and stronger industry partnerships to enhance employability and readiness for future graduates. This study provides crucial insights for policy development and curriculum enhancement at Southern Leyte State University-Tomas Oppus (SLSU-TO), ensuring the competitiveness of its IT program in the rapidly evolving technology industry.
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