Career Pathways and Employability of Business Administration Graduates in Human Resource Management: A Tracer Study

Abstract

This descriptive-correlational study examined the career pathways and occupational outcomes of Business Administration graduates majoring in Human Resource Management (Batches 2023–2025) at Negros Oriental State University–Guihulngan Campus. Utilizing snowball sampling, the study gathered data from 197 participants, achieving at least a 75% response rate per batch. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests of independence, Cramer’s V, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation. Descriptive findings revealed that 79.7% of graduates secured full-time employment, with 59.9% gaining employment within three months post-graduation, primarily in business (48.2%) and human resource (16.8%) sectors. Most occupied rank-and-file roles (63.9%), and 69.4% rated their employment as relevant or very relevant to their degree (M=3.94). Communication (M=4.58) and teamwork (M=4.60) were the most heavily utilized competencies, while core subjects like Training and Development (M=4.46) were rated highly useful. Inferential analysis revealed no statistically significant relationship between year of graduation and employment status (2(2, N = 197) = 2.04, p = .360, V = .126) or between transition challenges and time to secure a first job (2(4, N = 197) = 6.22, p = .180, V = .130). However, a statistically significant moderate positive correlation was established between acquired skills and job relevance (r(168) = .37, p = .001). Overall, the program effectively supports graduate employability, offering empirical baselines for targeted curriculum enhancements and digital skill integration.