A Tracer Study of the Graduates of Bachelor of Science in Office Administration Major in Office Management Covering the Academic Years 2018, 2019, 2022, & 2023 of the Kapalong College of Agriculture, Sciences and Technology

Tracer studies are crucial for gauging the effectiveness and applicability of programs provided by higher education institutions and their alignment with the job market. Hence, the aim of this quantitative research is to track the career paths of graduates from Kapalong College of Agriculture, Sciences, and Technology (KCAST). Particularly, the study successfully contacted 97% of the graduates from the BSOA Department, with 299 out of 308 graduates participating covering the A.Y. 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023. Among the total respondents, 34 (44.82%) graduated in 2023, while 85 (28.643%) graduated in 2022, 56 (18.73%) graduated in 2019, and 24 (8.03%) graduated in 2018. The majority of respondents were female, comprising 268 (89.63%) who were single. The most common age group among participants was 24 years old. Notably, 30 (10.03%) respondents acquired vocational education and/or TESDA National Competency certification, and 5 (2%) pursued higher education after completing their bachelors degree. Regarding employment status, 211 individuals (70.57%) are presently employed, with the majority, 189 (89.70%), holding full-time positions. Notably, nearly 93 (43%) of the employed graduates earn monthly salaries ranging between 11,000.00 and 15,000.00, having secured their current positions within 1 to 3 months after graduation. Interestingly, the majority of respondents, totaling 259 (86%), expressed a neutral opinion when asked about the relevance of their degree to their current job. Furthermore, among the respondents, 51 work as office clerks and/or encoders, 48 hold administrative positions across various offices, 30 serves as accounting staff, and 24 are engaged in roles related to customer relations. The BSOA graduates consistently demonstrate a high level of attitude towards work, appreciation for the quality education provided by the institution, and the development of skills and abilities. This descriptive rating indicates that these attributes are consistently observed in BSOA graduates. Therefore, it is advised that the BSOA Department of KCAST continues to uphold and enhance the current programs and activities aimed at improving the employability skills of its students. KEYWORDS: BSOA Graduates, Philippines, quantitative descriptive method, tracer study