Graduate Education and Its Influence on Employability and Career Progression: A Tracer Study of La Salle University Graduates

Abstract

This descriptive research explores the impact of graduate education on the employability and career advancement of graduates. It further aims to glean insights on how the results of the tracer study can improve graduate curriculum and practices. The study involved 127 respondents who graduated from Doctor in Business Administration (DBA), Master in Business Administration (MBA), and Master in Public Administration (MPA) in the School of Graduate Studies, La Salle University Ozamiz from AY 2018-2019 to AY 2021-2022. Of this number, 42 (33%) were males and 85 (67%) were females; majority (54%) took up MBA while 27% graduated in 2021. Further, 86% were permanent employees while 68% worked in local public institutions. A tracer survey form was forwarded to the students through email and social media accounts. After the results were collated, descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results. The findings reveal that 60% of the respondents received promotions, and 65% reported salary increases after completing their graduate programs. Additionally, 85% cited professional development as the primary reason for enrolling, with them reporting enhanced work performance and career growth after graduation. The study also highlights that graduates felt highly satisfied (4.51) with the curriculum, especially its emphasis on values formation (4.73) and the integration of ethical principles (4.69), which they believed positively influenced their professional behavior. Hence, graduate education is a valuable investment, boosting job security, earnings, and career satisfaction. It helps students develop important skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making, making them more competitive. The study suggests graduate programs focus on professional and ethical growth while adding hands-on experiences and industry projects to better prepare students for workforce demands.