Factors Affecting Graduates’ Employability of Business-Related Programs: A Tracer Study

Abstract

The goal of the study was to ascertain the job history and status of Jose Rizal Memorial State University graduates, in particular those who completed the bachelor's degree programs in tourism and hotel and restaurant management between 2012 and 2016. The design of this tracer study utilized a descriptive quantitative methodology. To collect pertinent study data, a modified, standardized questionnaire and interviewing methods were employed as the instrument. Only 109 graduates out of a total of 241 responded to the survey via email and social networking sites. In order to determine the respondent's profile and mean for the degree of usefulness and relevance of the work-related values and abilities and curriculum-related elements, a frequency count and percentage computation were used. According to the survey, honesty and love of God are 'Very Much Helpful' in the tourism industry, along with work-related qualities. Communication abilities were identified as being 'Very Much Connected' to the job requirements for both tourism and the management of hotels and restaurants. With the exception of Natural Science, Culinary Arts and Services, and Accounting for HRM, practically all of the variables had significant relevance from elements relating to the curriculum. It is advised that the curriculum be modified to reflect changes in the new educational system and to accommodate the shifting needs of business. To increase the number of graduates, teachers should also improve or change their teaching methods to better meet the needs and requirements of the different types of students they are teaching.