Engaging BSIT Graduates: A Study on Employability of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) of Central Philippines State University-Main Campus

Abstract

Tracer studies are a valuable method for systematically documenting employment attributes, the shift from academic to professional life, and the overall job satisfaction of CPSU-BSIT graduates between 2018 and 2022. The present study focuses on evaluating the ongoing effectiveness, adequacy, and relevance of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) programs provided by Central Philippines State University (CPSU). In essence, the study aims to determine whether the BSIT programs are still meeting the educational and professional needs of students and whether they are sufficiently preparing graduates for careers in the IT field. This study utilized a descriptive approach and was conducted at the College of Computer Studies of CPSU in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. An online survey was conducted with 223 respondents out of 272 alumni from the graduating batches of 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. The survey used a standardized questionnaire provided by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The survey results indicated that most participants are presently engaged in employment, predominantly in private companies or organizations. The majority of them obtained employment within six months after completing their studies and are employed in the local area. Nevertheless, a certain group of graduates encountered delays that prolonged beyond one year, mainly due to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The respondents proposed improvements to the physical infrastructure of the College, particularly targeting the establishment of specialized laboratories focused on programming, networking, and multimedia applications. Moreover, they stressed the need to broaden both local and international collaborations to enable faculty and student immersion programs.