A Tracer Study on the Graduates of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture of Capiz State University-Pontevedra

Graduate tracer studies give colleges structured insight into alumni outcomes—workplace performance, skill gaps, alignment with industry needs, and graduates’ evaluations of their education. Seeking these insights, Capiz State University–Pontevedra surveyed its Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) alumni. Results show most respondents are at early career stages, predominantly male and single, with many earning under PHP 15,000 monthly. Most found employment within a year, typically in technical or rank-and-file roles related to their training.
Many alumni report strong practical farming abilities, reflecting the program’s core objectives, and many also possess skills in planning, research, and organization. A sizable number can lead trainings for farmers and other stakeholders, indicating active knowledge-transfer capacity that benefits local agricultural communities. Graduates highlight communication, research, critical thinking, planning, interpersonal relations, creativity, and time management as key competencies that help them secure and sustain jobs.
Family and social networks often influenced students’ choice of the BSA program. Those who continued to graduate study did so mainly for career advancement, promotion, higher income, and personal or professional growth. Alumni also emphasized that academic support, opportunities to participate in research, and attention to spiritual development were important elements of their college experience that helped prepare them for work.
Overall, the tracer study suggests the BSA curriculum effectively produces practically skilled graduates with useful transferable abilities. However, because many start in entry-level positions with modest pay, the college could strengthen industry partnerships, internships, entrepreneurship training, structured research opportunities, and career guidance to boost promotion prospects and earnings.

Graduate tracer study, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, alumni, competencies

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