Job Level Position and Academic Competencies: A Tracer Study of Engineering Graduates in Biliran Province State University

Abstract

This study answers the lack of research on the relevance of academic-acquired competencies and job level positions among the graduates of Biliran Province State University (BIPSU). To analyze the employability of BIPSU engineering graduates, a descriptive research method was used. Chi-square statistics was also utilized to assess the relationship between academic-acquired competencies and the graduates' first job occupations. A combination of convenience and purposive sampling methods were applied to collect the required responses. There are a total of 281 respondents who participated in the survey, from a population of 483 engineering graduates from academic years 2006 to 2021. Data collection was carried out by the respondents by answering the fielded Graduate Tracer Survey (GTS) instrument via Google Forms, adapted from the standard GTS instrument from the Commission of Higher Education (CHED).

This study revealed that most BIPSU engineering graduates are now employed in regular or permanent positions. They are primarily in locally-based construction firms and majority of them hold positions which are under professional, technical, or supervisory levels. The chi-square test results indicated that graduates perceived critical thinking and communication skills as the most relevant academic-acquired skill to their initial job positions. A policy was proposed to better align the university’s curriculum with the local job market. It is also recommended that BIPSU develop programs, offer training, and organize activities to enhance its curriculum, with a focus on critical thinking and communication skills, which are crucial for acquiring employment.