Alumni Employability and Career Trajectories: A Tracer Evidence of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management at Palawan State University (2020-2023)

Tracer studies are significant methods for assessing the effectiveness and relevance of educational programs by investigating the students’ employability and career trajectories. In line with this, the objectives of the study are to trace the professional status of year 2020 to 2023 graduates by examining the demographic profile, employment status, professional development, the extent of curricular program contribution to the skills development, and the relationship between the research's main variables. The study employed a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design with data analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, weighted means, and a linear regression-based estimation technique. The study used a total enumeration of 136 graduates from the academic year 2020 to 2023. To ensure accuracy and validity, the data were collected through face-to-face and online interviews. The results revealed that most of the graduates were aged 22 to 35, female, and single. In terms of professional development, the majority had not attended training, seminars, or workshops, nor passed any professional examinations. Despite this, most of the respondents were employed in positions such as encoders, administrative aides, accounting staff, clerks, service and sales workers, and employed within local industries, including food businesses, local government units, engineering offices, the Philippine Coast Guard, and personal service activities. Moreover, the results showed that graduates were highly competent in communication, human relations, leadership, and problem-solving skills, which indicates the effectiveness of the institution's curricular programs. Correlational analysis revealed no significant relationship between demographic profile and skills development. The study recommends that both institutions and graduates strengthen and participate in the career development programs. It further recommends that future researchers should investigate the findings and address the study limitations in order to adopt a wider and more comparative research approach.