Employment Trends of the BS Biology Graduates of Liceo de Cagayan University

This tracer and employability study on the Liceo de Cagayan University BS Biology alumni from AYs 2005-2020 endeavored to understand their employment profile and the competency and skill factors involved. Total enumeration was done utilizing a retrospective cross-sectional survey method through an expanded graduate tracer study instrument designed by the Commission on Higher Education. Data indicate that 80.0% of the graduates were employed, of whom 53.3% had a regular or permanent appointment. The majority of those in employment (33.3%) were in the educational sphere, followed by those in the health and social sectors (26.7%). Furthermore, 66.7% of them landed a job within six months of their application. It was revealed that 66.7% of the graduates believe that the curriculum was relevant to their first job, with communication skills and critical-thinking skills as the most useful competencies. The teaching and learning environment at LDCU not only develops the skills of the BS Biology students that will enable them to correctly perform the tasks expected of them in the workplace but also cultivates the traits or attributes that make them more efficient workers. These allow them to succeed and grow in their jobs. The employability of BS Biology graduates can be greatly increased if a careful audit of the skills required or valued by the employment sector is conducted and the curriculum is adjusted to meet those needs. This may be carried out through actual job market observations and more frequent collaborations with industry representatives.

Keywords: employability, tracer study, higher education, competencies, biology