Professional journeys of PhD development education graduates in a Philippine higher education institution

This study aimed to comprehensively examine post-Ph.D. career trajectories, program effectiveness, and alumni engagement. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research utilized a sequential explanatory design, beginning with quantitative data collection and analysis, followed by qualitative exploration. Findings revealed that 70.59% of graduates experienced promotions post-Ph.D., emphasizing the potential for career advancement, while the remaining 29.41% cited reasons such as a deliberate personal break and family time reconciliation for delaying promotions. Narratives from graduates postponing promotions underscored the need to balance professional aspirations with individual well-being and familial commitments. Additionally, the data revealed a nuanced understanding of promotion, with some graduates viewing roles like the Teacher in Charge as forms of promotion. Recommendations include establishing mentorship programs, offering regular career development workshops, providing research funding opportunities, and creating robust alumni engagement initiatives to support graduates in their ongoing professional journeys.