Employer Assessment of Competencies and Satisfaction with Industrial Engineering Alumni of Foundation University

This study evaluated the competencies of Industrial Engineering alumni of Foundation University as perceived by employers and examined their relationship with employer satisfaction. It focused on key domains, including technical skills, soft skills, work readiness and professional competence, communication skills, data and digital competence, and professional attitude and behavior. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed, with data collected from employer-respondents across various industries using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation to determine both the level of competencies and their relationship with employer satisfaction. Results revealed that all competencies were rated at a very high level, indicating that graduates are well-prepared to meet workplace demands. Employer satisfaction was also rated very high, reflecting strong overall performance and alignment with current industry expectations. Significant positive relationships were identified between employer satisfaction and selected competencies, particularly communication skills, reliability, work ethics, data and digital competence, and technical skills. These competencies were found to strongly influence employer perceptions of graduate effectiveness in actual workplace settings. On the other hand, other competencies did not show significant relationships, suggesting that these are consistently demonstrated and regarded as baseline expectations that graduates are assumed to possess upon entry into the workforce. The findings confirm that the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (BSIE) program effectively develops competent and industry-ready graduates. However, continuous curriculum enhancement is recommended, particularly in strengthening high-impact competencies, expanding industry-based learning, and integrating emerging technologies, to sustain alignment with evolving workforce demands and maintain graduate competitiveness.