A Tracer Study on the Agribusiness Management Program: Basis for Curriculum Improvement

Abstract

This tracer study was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the employability and career trajectories of graduates from Central Mindanao University's (CMU) Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management (BSAM) program, with the primary objective of gathering data to inform curriculum enhancements and improve academic services. Employing a descriptive statistical methodology, the research utilized online surveys and personal interviews to collect and analyze information regarding graduates' demographic profiles, employment status, job satisfaction, and perceptions of their academic preparation. The findings reveal a highly employable and versatile graduate groups, with a nearly even distribution of employment between the government (120 graduates) and private (126 graduates) sectors. A significant proportion of those in public service (46%) are employed directly within the agriculture sector, demonstrating strong alignment between their education and career path. In the private sector, graduates are concentrated primarily in the service industry (45%), with notable engagement in trading (19%) and self-employment (16%). Financially, the largest group (24%) earns a basic monthly salary between Php 20,000 and Php 30,000, which is well above the national poverty threshold. Furthermore, the data indicates a rapid transition into the workforce, with a majority of graduates (51%) securing their first job within six months of graduation. The overarching conclusion of this study is that the BSAM program at CMU effectively equips its graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge for a diverse range of occupations, affirming the curriculum's relevance and the high value of its graduates in the competitive labor market.