Abstract
It is the primary aim of educational institutions to produce quality graduates who will contribute to the nation’s workforce. Thus, higher education institutions (HEI) have to equip graduates with knowledge, skills, and values that will qualify them to work. Hence, this descriptive study was conducted to trace the employability status and determine the challenges or problems encountered by 90 Bachelor of Science in Criminology graduates from batch 2014 to 2016 who were chosen using non-probability sampling. Findings revealed that most of the respondents are permanently employed in course-related jobs. The salary and benefits of the agency/institution are significant factors valued by graduates in considering their first career as well as staying on their current jobs. However, graduates took a longer period of time getting employed while the foremost reason for non-employment was family concerns. It was further identified that the qualifications set by the agency/institution applied for is the topmost challenge/problems encountered by the graduates. While the BS Criminology program offers a breadth of possibilities and career opportunities, the graduates need to be properly prepared and equipped with skills to match the standards set by companies. Thus, colleges and universities should take responsibility in upgrading the curriculum to meet the industry needs and demands.
Keywords: employability, graduates tracer study, criminology graduates, employment challenges
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