Abstract
Graduate employability has become a critical indicator of the effectiveness of higher education institutions, particularly in technology-driven fields such as Information Technology (IT). As the demand for digitally skilled professionals continues to grow, understanding the career trajectories of IT graduates offers valuable insights for academic and workforce development. This tracer study examines the employability and career outcomes of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) graduates from Cotabato State University. The study aims to assess their employment status, the relevance of their jobs to their degree, income levels, and challenges in securing jobs. Data were collected from 106 respondents through a survey, providing insights into their demographics, educational attainment, employment status, and job search duration. Findings indicate that a significant majority (72.6%) of graduates are employed, while 15.1% remain unemployed. Most are employed in government agencies, private institutions, and non-governmental organizations, with a considerable percentage holding contractual or job-order positions. The study also highlights that 39% of respondents earn less than PHP 10,000 per month, while only a few reach higher salary brackets. Additionally, 32.1% found employment within a month, but some took over a year to secure a job. These findings underscore the need for curriculum enhancements, career support services, and stronger industry linkages to improve graduates' employability. The study recommends continuous monitoring of graduate outcomes and further research to align industry demand with skill development initiatives, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of BSIT graduates in the job market.
