GRADUATES’ EMPLOYABILITY AND SKILLS ACQUISITION: TRACER STUDY OF BSCS GRADUATES OF NOTRE DAME OF MARBEL UNIVERSITY FROM 1994 – 2019 FOR CURRICULUM ENHANCEMENT

This tracer study determined the employment status of Bachelor of Computer Science (BSCS) Graduates of Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) from 1994 - 2019. It also assessed the relevance of BSCS curricula, knowledge, skills, and work values acquired by the graduates relevant to their employment; identify the personal and professional characteristics and job placement of Computer Science graduates and the school-related factors associated with their employment. The findings of the study served as the basis for the researcher to improve, update or enhance the curricula of the BSCS program to make this more responsive to the needs of fast-changing technology. 111 survey participants were gainfully employed; the majority held professional, technical, or supervisory positions; they obtained their first jobs in less than a year; they stayed in their first jobs for more than a year; the main reasons they changed jobs were career challenges, salaries, and benefits. The respondents found that the critical thinking, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving abilities acquired by BSCS graduates were extremely helpful in their current jobs. The respondents considered the work-related values they learned in the university's value formations to be extremely helpful to their current employment. It is strongly recommended that the graduating students before graduation must be given ample time to experience pre-employment examinations and interviews. Faculty development training must be given to the faculty members teaching core subjects.