Career Alignment: A Study on the Relevance of Office Administration Skills in the Workplace

This study aimed to examine the relevance of office administration competencies in the workplace and how BSOA graduates navigate career alignment. Using a qualitative and phenomenological research design, the study explored the experiences, challenges, coping mechanisms, and insights of graduates as they transitioned from academic preparation to professional employment. Eight (8) BSOA graduates from Assumption College of Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, were selected through purposive sampling and participated in face-to-face in-depth interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that while graduates encountered challenges related to career misalignment and workplace demands, the foundational skills learned in the BSOA program remained relevant and transferable. Graduates employed various coping mechanisms such as continuous learning, professionalism, goal-setting, and adaptability, which enabled them to adjust effectively. The insights gained emphasized that career alignment is a dynamic process influenced by experience and resilience, highlighting the continued importance of office administration skills in the workplace.