Transitioning to Work: A Tracer Study of the College of Liberal Arts Graduates

This study investigated the employability and career paths of the graduates from the College of Liberal Arts and Communication (CLAC) at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) from the Academic Years 2017-2022. It employed a survey design utilizing an online questionnaire sent to the respondents through email. Focus group discussions with department chairs and faculty members were also undertaken. The study revealed that most CLAC graduates were employed in professional, technical, or supervisory positions. They considered their undergraduate curriculum as relevant to their present jobs. Furthermore, it was revealed that the most useful acquired skills they identified include communication, human relations, and critical thinking skills. However, they admittedly were weak at communication and critical thinking skills. The study concludes that CLAC alumni exhibit a good level of employability albeit the need to fortify their soft skills to ensure their being competitive in the workplace. A longitudinal study could be conducted to track the career paths of CLAC alumni and investigate graduates’ change of careers over time, how they advance or stagnate in their work, and their impact in their respective fields.