Bridging the Gap: Employability Outcomes of State University Graduates in the Philippines

This study examined the employability outcomes of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) graduates from 2021 to 2024, aiming to understand how curriculum competencies, institutional values, and employer expectations shape career trajectories. Using a mixed-methods design, the research combined a cross-sectional survey with thematic analysis of employer feedback. Data were collected from 1,192 graduates and 74 employers through online and offline questionnaires. Quantitative analysis included frequency counts, weighted means, and Spearman’s Rho to explore relationships between curriculum relevance, VMGO alignment, and job performance. Qualitative insights were drawn from open-ended employer comments, analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Results showed a high employment rate and strong internalization of VMGO, with employers rating graduates positively in terms of values and general competencies. However, weak correlations between curriculum and job performance indicated gaps in digital literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and program-level alignment. Thematic analysis revealed employer appreciation for graduate attitudes, alongside calls for technical upskilling, broader alumni recognition, and improved feedback mechanisms. The study highlights NORSU’s strengths in producing values-driven graduates while identifying areas for strategic reform. Its findings can inform curriculum audits, alumni engagement strategies, and digital tracer improvements— contributing to more responsive, inclusive, and competitive higher education in regional Philippine contexts.