Study Title:

SULTAN KUDARAT STATE UNIVERSITY GRADUATE

TRACER STUDY (SKSU - GTS) Palimbang Campus
(Hubaida A. Mamalinta, Allan Jay S. Cajandig)

Name and Designation of the Study Leader/Researcher

Hubaida A. Mamalinta, Ph.D.
Campus Director
Name of Institution:
Sultan Kudarat State University Palimbang Campus
Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat
Name of the Head of the Institution:
Rolando F. Hechanova, Ph.D.
Sultan Kudarat State University
ACCESS, EJC Montilla, Tacurong City
Address:
a. Proponent:

b. Institution:

Sultan Kudarat State University

Palimbang Campus, Palimbang Sultan
Kudarat
Sultan Kudarat State University
ACCESS, EJC Montilla, Tacurong City

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY:

In an increasingly globalized world, there is a growing pressure for
fresh graduates to compete for jobs which are not growing at the same place
with the growth in population of young people seeking gainful employment.
According to the International Labor Organization Youth Employment
Network (YEN), young people are actively seeking to participate in the world
of work and are two to three times more likely than the older generations to
find themselves unemployed (ILO, 2006)
Looking up everywhere, rapid and complex changes can be observed,
may it be in the world of work, in education, in society, and other things that
mankind has produced. A special focus to these changes is in the field of
education. Change is eminent in education with the emergence of international
standards in academic programs, the upcoming ASEAN 2015 integration, the
Competency Framework of South East Asian (SEA) Teachers in the 21 st century,
among others. It is really a must to conduct graduate tracer studies to evaluate
our graduates in terms of their employment characteristics and status; their level
of satisfaction with the universitys services, learning environment and facilities
and the extent to which the program offered contributed to the development of
the graduates different skills to cope with these developments.
Undeniably, it is not enough that one will acquire a diploma after
graduating from higher education institution. Majority of the graduates aim to
finish their tertiary education to acquire jobs that are relevant to their field of
specialization. But, with the steady increase in the number of College graduates,
employment opportunities for graduates have become very competitive. It is not
adequate to graduate just to earn a degree, but, graduates are expected to
acquire the needed skills and competencies to be able to perform best in the
field of work.
In connection with this, it is very important for every higher educational
institutions to improve their quality of education or programs offered and make
some revisions of curriculum in order to produce excellent/competitive graduates.
This tracer study will be conducted among the graduates of teacher
education of Sultan Kudarat State University - Palimbang Campus to be able to
gain desirable information on their employment status. . Moreover, it will evaluate
the quality of education provided by the institution and tests its accountability for
the awareness of its stakeholders. It is on this premise that the study will be
conducted to discover if the preferred route and hence embedded culture of
employment among the SKSU graduates still prevails.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS:

1. What is the response rate of the graduates from academic year 2003
2013 as classified to their courses and year graduated?
2. What post baccalaureate activities do SKSU graduates engaged as
classified according to their course and school year graduated in terms
of:
2.1 Graduate Studies; and
2.2 Additional Degree Studies/Training Programs?
3. What are the employment characteristics of the SKSU graduates as
classified according to their course and school year graduated in terms
of:
3.1 Employment Status
3.2 First job after college
3.3 First job related to their course
3.4 Tools in finding the first job
3.5 Length of job search
3.6 Present position
3.7 Nature of job/business
3.8 The interval of time landing in their first job after college
3.9 The relevant of the curriculum to the job
3.10 Place/Area of work
3.11 The reason of changing or staying on the job; and
3.12 Gender?
4. At what extent to the graduates agree to the over all experience at
Sultan Kudarat State University particularly in their Chosen
Colleges/Campuses?
5. To what extent do graduates feel that they have gain as result of SKSU
education?
6. Is there a significant difference between course and employment
characteristics?
7. What are the suggestions and recommendations of the SKSU
graduates about the changes needed to improve the competitive edge
of SKSU?
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study will provide new idea to the alumni of SKSU with regards to
their employability readiness.

This will help the teachers to upgrade the standards by continuously

uplifting the minds of the student to be competitive, excel in their respective
areas of specialization by cultivating and advancing academically skilled
student who will take active participation in the globally competitive world
for service and international development acquired in the university.
This will serve as their motivation to study harder in pursuing their
goals to become successful graduates by their chosen field.
The study will also help the institution to pass its applications to State
Universities and Colleges Leveling International Standardization of
Organization (ISO), Quality Management System and much more in the
Accreditation programs and visits of the Accrediting Agency for Chartered
Colleges and Universities of the Philippnes, Incorporated.
The study will help academic department to assess/evaluate the
curricular programs of the University.
The study will help other higher learning institutions to compare what
program offerings are best fitted and in demand in the job market.
The study will help Commission on Higher Education (CHED) that will
aid their Curricular Committee in the designing/redesigning of the programs
to be offered and served to the students.
This study will serve as reference to the researcher for their future
studies.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

The SKSU graduates batch 2003 to 2013 were the respondents of this
study focusing on the different undergraduate courses offered.
METHODOLOGY
Source of Data
There were 200 graduates produced by the Sultan Kudarat State
University Palimbang Campus since Academic year 2003 until 2013. A
Slovens method in sampling and/or Convenience Sampling was utilized.
Sampling Technique
Since there was no complete list of home or office address of the
respondents, the graduates were tracked down thru referral from faculty

members, family and friends of the respondents and also thru Yearbook
information, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and other social networking accounts
that can reach the awareness of the alumni. This sampling technique
referred to as Convenience Sampling.
The researchers got all the names of the graduates from the
Registrars Office.
Study Gathering Instruments
The researchers adopted a survey questionnaire constructed by
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), modified by University of Southern
Mindanao (USM) and University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) will be
used in this study.
The questionnaire was reorganized and customized to fit the purpose
of the study conducted.
Data Gathering Procedure
The researchers asked for an approval of the graduate tracer study
from the SKSU President through VP-RDE office. They did collaboration with
the Registrars Office for the master list of graduates.
The Program/Project Coordinators coordinated with Campus Directors
and Deans who were responsible in identifying a researcher/study leader in
the campus and responsible in the implementation and conduct of the study.
Each campus prepared of the quarterly accomplishment report for
submission to the Program/Project Leader.
The collected data was collated and analyzed by campus.
Statistical Treatment
The data generated will be statistically analyzed using descriptive
statistical tool. The descriptive statistics will also be used through
percentage and frequency count method. The number of observations failing
in a particular class is called the class frequency and the percentage is
dividing the frequency to the total number of all respondents and then
multiplied by 100.
Monitoring and Evaluation

The Program/Project/Study Leader monitored the proper

implementation of the program every quarter through submission of
progress reports with pictographs.

Findings:
The following are the findings after gathering the information from the
graduates through interviews and survey questionnaire:
Socio-demographic Profile of Graduates from 2003-2013
Civil Status, Gender and Place of Origin
Table 1 presents the socio-demographic profile of the graduates in
Palimbang Campus from 2003-2013 in terms of civil status, gender and
place of origin.
Majority of the respondents are married with 44% of the total number
of graduates. In terms of gender, Majority are female respondents with 67%
of the total graduates. Ninety nine (99) percent of the total graduates are
originated in the region 12.
Course, Campus, Licensure Examination
Table 2 presents the educational background of the graduates of
Palimbang Campus from 2003 2013 terms of course, campus and licensure
examination.
All of the respondents (100%) are graduates of Education course and
taken at Palimbang Campus. Sixty three of the graduates passed Licensure
Examination such as CSE, LET and NAPOLCOM with 7, 54 and 2 respectively.
Reasons for Taking the Course
Table 3 presents the reasons of the graduates for taking the course in
Palimbang Campus.
It shows that the main reason is the availability of course offering in
chosen institution with 176 graduates followed by the influence of peers and
relatives with 165 graduates. The least reason is the opportunity for
employment abroad with 2 graduates only.
Number of Graduates Pursue Advance Studies
Table 4 presents the number of graduates who took up/taking up
advance studies.
It shows that 51 of the graduates took up/taking up masters degree
with the reasons for promotion and for professional development with 37 and
14 graduates respectively.

Table 1. Socio-demographic Profile of Graduates from 2003-2013

Demographic Profile
Frequency
%
n=200
Civil Status
Single
Separated/Divorced
Single Parent
Married
Married but not living
Born a child but not married with
spouse
Widow or Widower
Others
Total

73
9
7
81
6
11
5

38%
5%
4%
42%
3%
6%
3%

192

100%

Gender
Male
Female
Total

66
134
200

33%
67%
100%

Place of Origin
Region 12
Others
Total

190
2
192

99%
1%
100%

Table 2. Educational Background of Graduates in terms of Course,

Campus and Licensure Examination Passer
Description
Frequency
%
(100)
Course/Degree
Education
200
100%
Others
Total
200
100%
Campus Taken
Palimbang
Others
Total
Licensure Exam Taken
Civil Service Examination
Licensure Examination for
Teachers
Licensure Examination for
Agriculture
Licensure Examination for

200

100%

200

100%

7
54
2
63

Criminology
Others (NAPOLCOM)
Total
Table 3. Reasons of Graduate Respondents for Taking/Selecting
the Course of SKSU Graduates
Reasons
Frequenc Ran
y
k
N=192
High Grades in the course or subject related to the
55
9
course
63
7
Good grades in high school
165
2
Influence of parents or relatives
60
8
Peer Influence
65
6
Inspired by a role model
121
4
Strong passion for the profession
53
10
Prospect for immediate employment
83
5
Status or prestige of the profession
176
1
Availability of course offering in chosen institution
21
11
Prospect of career advancement
127
3
Affordable for the family
10
13
Prospect of attractive compensation
2
14
Opportunity for employment abroad
12
12
No particular choice or no better idea
Others

Table 4. Number of Graduate Respondents who took up/taking

Advance Studies.
Description
Frequency
Percentage
(100%)
Course
Masters
51
Others
Total
51
Reasons
For promotion
For professional development
Others

37
14
51

Employment Records of the Graduates

Employability of the Graduates
Table 5 presents the employability of graduates from Palimbang
Campus.
It shows that Majority of the graduates (65 %) are currently employed
and only 35% of the graduates are not employed.
Reasons for being Not Employed
Table 6 presents the reasons of the graduates for being not employed.
It shows that the main reason of the graduates for being not employed
after graduation is their eligibility with 64 graduates out of 68 not employed
graduates. It shows further that the least reason is no job opportunity only
two (2) of the graduates give such reason.
Employment Status of the Graduates
Table 7 presents the employment status of the graduates of Palimbang
Campus.
It shows that majority of the respondents (56) are regular or
permanent employee in their job. Forty six (46) graduates are contractual,
while self-employed, temporary and casual status with 19, 2 and 1 graduates
respectively.
Classification of Occupation of the Graduates
Table 8 presents the classification of occupation of the graduates.
It shows that majority of the graduates who are currently employed are
classified as professionals with 65 graduates. There are 22 graduates who
are classified as service workers and market sales workers. Some (16)
graduates are trades and related workers. Others are farmers and fishermen,
clerks, technician, government officials and machine operator.

Table 5. Employability of Graduate Respondents of SKSU Palimbang

Campus
Status
Frequency
Percentage
Employed
124
65%
Not Employed
68
35%
Others
Total
192
100%
Table 6. Reasons for being Not Employed of Graduate Respondents
Reason
Frequency
Rank
N=68
Advance or further study
7
4.5
Family concern and decided not to find a
11
3
job
7
4.5
Health-related reason(s)
2
7
Lack of work experience
14
2
No job opportunity
5
6
Did not look for a job
64
1
Others Eligibility
Table 7. Employment Status of Graduate Respondents
Employment Status
Frequency
n=124
Regular or Permanent
56
Contractual
46
Temporary
2
Self- employed
19
Casual
1
Others
Total
124

Rank
1
2
4
3
5

Table 8. Classification of Occupation of Graduate Respondents

Classification of Occupation
Frequency
Rank
n=124
Officials of Government and Special-Interest
2
6.5
Professionals
65
1
Technicians and Associate Professionals
2
6.5
Clerks
7
5
Service workers and Shop and Market Sales
22
2
Workers
8
4
Farmers, Forestry Workers and Fishermen
16
3
Trades and Related Workers
1
8.5

Plant and machine Operators and Assemblers

Laborers and Unskilled Workers

Total

8.5

124

Table 9. Major Line of Business of Graduate Respondents Present

Employment
Line of Business of Employers
Frequency
Rank
n=124
Agriculture, Hunting and Forestry
2
6.5
Fishing
6
5
Manufacturing
1
8.5
Construction
1
8.5
Wholesale and Retail Trade, repair of motor
33
2
vehicles, motorcycles and personal and
household goods
53
1
Education
10
4
Health and Social Work
2
6.5
Other community, Social and Personal Service
16
3
Activities
Private Households with Employed Persons
Total
124
Table 10. Present Place of Work of Graduate Respondents
Place of Work
Frequency
Rank
n=124
Local
98
1
Abroad
26
2
Others
Total

124

Line of Business of their Present Employment

Table 9 presents the major line of business of the present employment
of the graduates.
It shows that the major line of business of the employed graduates is
education. It follows the wholesale and retail trade with 33 graduates. There
are graduates who are employed to a private household with 16 graduates.
Some are employed in health and social works, fishing, agriculture,
manufacturing, construction and other community activities.
Place of Work
Table 10 presents the place of work of the graduates.
It shows that majority of the graduates with 98 respondents are
working locally while the remaining 26 graduates are working abroad.
Reasons for Staying on the Job
Table 11 presents the reasons of the employed graduates who choose
to stay in their current job.
It shows that out of 74 employed graduates, 68 graduates the main
reason why they choose to stay in their current employment is the salaries
and benefits. It follows that their job is related their course (35), proximity to
residence (31), family influence (19), career challenge (15), related to special
skill (10)and peer influence (9)
Reasons for Accepting the Job
Table 12 presents the reasons of the employed graduates accepting
their job.
It shows that out of 74 employed graduates, 72 graduates the main
reason why they accept their current employment is the salaries and
benefits. It follows that their job is proximity to residence (39), career
challenge (25), and related to special skill (10).
Reasons for Changing the Job
Table 13 presents the reasons of the employed graduates for changing
their job.
It shows that out of 50 employed graduates, 39 graduates the main
reason for changing their job is the career challenge. It follows their salaries

and benefits (27), job is proximity to residence (15), and related to special
skill (5).

Table 11. Reasons for Staying on the Job of Graduate Respondents

Reason
Frequency
Rank
n=74
Salaries and benefits
68
1
Career challenge
15
5
Related to special skill
10
6
Related to course or program of study
35
2
Proximity to residence
31
3
Peer Influence
9
7
Family Influence
19
4
Other
Table 12. Reasons of Graduate Studies for accepting the Job
Reason
Frequency
Rank
n=74
Salaries and benefits
72
1
Career challenge
25
3
Related to special skills
10
4
Proximity to residence
39
2
Other
Table 13. Reasons for Changing job of Graduate Respondents
Reason
Frequency
Rank
n=50
Salaries and benefits
27
2
Career challenge
39
1
Related to special skills
5
4
Proximity to residence
15
3
Other reason
Table 14. Years in Staying in First Job of Graduate Respondents
Years
Frequency
Rank
n=50
Less than a month
5
3
1 to 6 months
18
2
7 to 11 months
3
4
1 year to less than 2 years
22
1
2 years to less than 3 years
1
5.5
3 years to less than 4 years
1
5.5
Others
Years in Staying in the First Job

Table 14 presents the years in staying in the first job of the graduates.
It shows that out of 50 employed graduates who opt to change their
job, 22 graduates stayed for 1 year to less than 2 years. It follows that 18
graduates stayed for 1 to 6 months, less than a month (5), 7 to 11 months
(3), 2 years to less than 3 years (1) and 3 years to less than 4 years (1).
Ways of Graduates to find their first Job
Table 15 presents the ways of the graduates in finding their first job.
It shows that out of 124 employed graduates find ways to be
employed, 29 graduates find their job through a recommendation by
someone. It follows that 26 graduates find their job because of family
business. Other find their job as walk-in applicant (25), Response to an
advertisement (21), arranged by schools job placement (3) and Job fair (2).
Years Before Landing a Job
Table 16 presents the years of graduates before landing a job.
It shows that out of 124 employed graduates, 49 graduates find jobs
after 1 year to less than 2 years. It follows that 23 graduates find jobs after
1 to 6 months. Other find their job less than a month (18), 7 to 11 months
(17), 2 years to less than 3 years (12) and 3 years to less than 4 years (5).
Job Level Position of Graduates
Table 17 presents the job level position of graduates..
It shows that out of 50 employed graduates, 25 graduates are already
in professional level in their first job. It shows further that out of 124
employed graduates, 65 graduates are already in professional level in their
current job. Others are working abroad employed in the private employer.

Table 15. Ways of Graduate Respondents in Finding the First Job

Ways
Frequency
Percentage
n=124
Response to an advertisement
21
17%
As walk-in applicant
25
20%
Recommended by someone
29
23%
Information from friends
18
15%
Arranged by schools job placement
3
2%
officer
26
21%
Family business
2
2%
Job Fair or Public Employment Service
Office (PESO)
Others
Total
124
100
Table 16. Years of Graduate Respondents before Landing a Job.
Years
Frequency
Percentage
n=124
(100%)
Less than a month
18
15%
1 to 6 months
23
19%
7 to 11 months
17
13%
1 year to less than 2 years
49
39%
2 years to less than 3 years
12
10%
3 years to less than 4 years
5
4%
Others,
Total
124
100
Table 17. Job Level Position of Graduate Respondents
Job Level
First Job
Present Job
Frequen Rank
Frequency Rank
cy
N=124
N=50
Clerical
6
3
7
4
Professional,
25
1
65
1
Technical
2
5.5
2
6.5
Supervisory
2
6.5
Managerial
Executive
2
5.5
3
5
Self-employed
4
4
19
3
Other
11
2
35
2
Total
50
124

Gross Monthly Income in the First Job

Table 18 presents the gross monthly income of graduates in their first
job.
It shows that out of 124 employed graduates, 44 graduates earned a
monthly gross income of P5,000.00 to less than 10,000.00. It shows further
that 37 graduates are earning P15,000.00 to less than P20,000.00. Others
are earning below P5,000.00 (27), P 10,000.00 to less than P 15,000.00 (13),
P 20,000.00 to less than P 25,000.00 (3).
Relevance of the Course taken to the First Job
Table 19 presents the relevance of the course taken during college to
the first job of the graduates.
It shows that majority of the employed graduates, (66) respondents
said that college course is relevant to their first job while 58 graduates said
that it is irrelevant.
Competencies learned in College
Table 20 presents the competencies learned in college that are very
useful in finding a job of the graduates.
It shows that majority of the employed graduates, 113 graduates said
that communication skill is very useful in finding a job. It follows the critical
thinking skills (96), human relations skills (94), problem solving skills (83)
and Entrepreneurial skills (27).
Suggestions for the Improvement of the Course
Table 21 presents the suggestions to improve course curriculum by the
graduates.
It shows that out of 124 graduates interviewed, 21 graduates
suggested the following concerns for the improvement of the course. There
are 14 graduates suggested to improve teaching-learning process and 7
graduates suggested to improve facilities.

Table 18. Gross Monthly Income of Graduate Respondents in their

First Job after College
Gross Income
Frequency
Percentage
n=124
(100%)
Below P 5,000.00
27
22%
P 5,000.00 to less than P 10,000.00
44
35%
P 10,000.00 to less than P 15,000.00
13
10%
P 15,000.00 to less than P 20,000.00
37
30%
P 20,000.00 to less than P 25,000.00
3
3%
P 25,000.00 and above
Others
Total
124
100%
Table 19. Relevance of College Curriculum to First Job of Graduate
Respondents
College Curriculum
Frequency
Percentage
N=124
(100%)
Relevant
66
53%
Irrelevant
58
47%
Others
Total
124
100
Table 20. Competencies Learned in College Very Useful in Finding a
Job
Skill
Frequency
Percentage
n=124
(100%)
Communication skills
113
Human Relations skills
94
Entrepreneurial skills
27
Problem-solving skills
83
Critical Thinking skills
96
Other skills
Total
Table 21. Suggestions to Improve Course Curriculum
Suggestions
Frequency
Improve Facilities
Improve teaching-learning process

7
14

Total

21

Rank