Education Meets Employment: Tracing Graduate Outcomes Through the Lens of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Authors: Jesus Leonora F. de , Galita Warlito M. , Carranza Mary Ann P. , Antonio Lilibeth D. G. 
Published: January 2025

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the gap between academic experiences and professional success by examining various dimensions of graduates' journeys. By investigating graduation rates across diverse programs, the research sheds light on patterns that may inform institutional improvements and highlight areas where students excel or struggle.

Theoretical Framework: In this topic, the main concepts and theories that underpin the research are presented. Various career development theories, such as Super's Life-Span and Life-Space theory (Super,1980), can offer insights into the lifelong impact of educational experiences on career trajectories. This theory posits that career development is not a linear process but a series of stages influenced by personal circumstances and environmental contexts. In the context of this tracer study, Super's framework provides a valuable lens through which to analyze the experiences of Bulacan State University Graduate School alumni as they navigate their educational and professional journeys.stand out, providing a solid basis for understanding the context of the investigation.

Method: The methodology adopted for this research is a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to comprehensively understand graduates' career trajectories. The research design followed a cross-sectional framework, collecting data at a specific time to capture graduates' current employment landscape from 2020 to 2024. Data collection was carried out through surveys and actual interview.

Results and Discussion: This tracer study reveals significant insights into graduate outcomes and recommendations for program enhancement. The Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) dominates the graduate distribution at 51%, driven by the educational sector's need for advanced qualifications. Alumni shared the importance of postgraduate education for career advancement, particularly emphasizing research, leadership, and management skills. Key recommendations from PhD alumni focus on enhancing academic excellence through two sub-themes: Academic Administration and Support, and Innovative Learning and Development. Improving administrative processes, faculty hiring, and research support is needed in creating a more efficient and supportive academic environment. This approach aims to increase faculty satisfaction and retention, fostering a stronger academic community. Innovative Learning and Development emphasizes diverse educational methods, including extracurricular activities and online courses tailored to different learning styles. The integration of technology and a research-based teaching approach are seen as essential for preparing students for modern challenges. Additionally, alumni from Master's programs advocate for holistic academic development through experiential learning and mentorship, enhancing students' confidence and competence in real-world applications.

Research Implications: The tracer study's implications include enhancing curricula with experiential learning, streamlining administrative processes, and fostering industry collaborations to better align education with job market needs. It emphasizes the importance of flexible program structures and student empowerment to improve engagement and motivation. Theoretically, it contributes to competency-based education models by highlighting the integration of practical skills into academic frameworks. Overall, the study call the need for adaptive educational practices that prepare graduates for real-world challenges while enriching existing educational theories.

Originality/Value: This tracer provides empirical evidence on how specific skills acquired in graduate programs influence career advancement and emphasizes the need for aligning curricula with industry demands. The study introduces innovative frameworks for student empowerment and experiential learning, offering practical insights for educators and policymakers. It contributes to the theoretical understanding of graduate education's impact on workforce readiness and socio-economic development.