Employment Trajectories of Bachelor of Elementary Education Graduates of Ifugao State University, Philippines

Abstract

Graduate employability is a vital benchmark of higher education institutions, particularly for teacher education programs mandated to supply competent professionals for the Philippine basic education system. This study examined the employment trajectories of Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) graduates of Ifugao State University Lagawe Campus, focusing on their status one year after graduation, one year after passing the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT), and their present employment conditions. Using a descriptive survey and a validated questionnaire, results revealed that most graduates secured employment within a year of graduation, with employment rates rising significantly after passing the licensure examination for professional teachers. During the conduct of the study, the majority hold regular teaching positions in government schools, though contractual and private school employment remain common. Salary levels clustered around entry-level brackets, reflecting early career stages. Job acquisition was shaped by both informal and formal mechanisms: referrals and recommendations were most common, but school job fairs and advertisements also provided important entry points, while online job portals and direct applications were least utilized. Current unemployment of the graduates during the course of the study was predominantly attributed to the pursuit of advanced education, familial obligations, and the scarcity of local employment opportunities. Overall, the findings highlight licensure as a gateway to stable employment, while also underscoring the importance of both social networks and institutional mechanisms in supporting graduates’ career outcomes.