Experiences of career fit among college graduates
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ABSTRACT
This qualitative study explored the career fit experiences of university graduates. An interpretive phenomenological approach was used to conduct in-depth interviews with five alumni participants from various colleges. They were selected based on specific inclusion criteria: they must have graduated from college in 2015 or earlier; their current jobs should be aligned with the college they graduated from; and they must have been in their regular job position for at least one year. In addition, five company representatives were selected as key informants to provide supplementary data about their perceptions of career fit between the graduates and their chosen careers. They were chosen based on the industry or company aligned to their nature of work. The study aimed to understand how these graduates transitioned from school to finding a fit in their careers. Following Creswell's approach to qualitative data analysis, five key themes emerged: 1. College experiences lay the groundwork for easy adjustment; 2. Actual work exposures facilitate smooth transition; 3. Blending in and being valued at work is a good formula for career fit; 4. Supportive work relationships promote a sense of belonging; and 5. Being in sync at work inspires relevant future career goals. Findings highlight the importance of alignment between degree programs and actual jobs and basic competencies. Career fit emphasizes the advantage of graduating with a degree in which students were trained. It is recommended that colleges and universities promote the alignment of the students' academic preparation with the demands of potential employers. Keywords: college graduate, career fit, school-to-work transition, interpretive phenomenological approach
Keywords: college graduate, career fit, school-to-work transition, interpretive phenomenological approach
Volume 12 Issue 2, 2024 EDITION
Published 2024
Editor's Note
It is with great honor that we present Volume 12, Issue 2 of the Journal of Higher Education Research, a collection of diverse and thought-provoking studies that reflect the depth and scope of contemporary scholarly works. This issue brings together research that not only advances academic discourse but also offers practical insights and solutions to pressing challenges in education, leadership, community inclusion, and applied science. Olano and Leonor assess the implementation of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) in the Division of Negros Occidental, highlighting both the program’s benefits in comprehension, confidence, and cultural connection, as well as the persistent challenges in resources, training, and assessment methods. Cerbo and Dy shed light on the lived experiences of non-SPED teachers accommodating learners with special needs, highlighting the importance of adaptive strategies, inclusive policies, and institutional support to strengthen mainstreaming practices. In agricultural education, Panganiban and Leonor explore the relationship between school climate and curriculum integration among farm schools in Negros Occidental, demonstrating the value of integrated learning for sustainability and community development. Uyanib and Estrellas investigate the link between Spiritual Quotient and happiness among 21st-century secondary school heads, revealing how spiritual intelligence contributes to leadership performance and well-being. Focusing on gender inclusivity, Gorre and Dumagat evaluate the implementation of Gender-Responsive Basic Education policies in senior high schools, with insights from both administrators and LGBTQ+ learners on progress made and areas for improvement. Largavista and Dumagat analyze the training needs and teaching competencies of MAPEH teachers under the MATATAG curriculum, offering targeted recommendations to address training gaps and enhance educational delivery. Pacheco and Villacorte provide narrative portraits of Negros Occidental’s most outstanding master teachers, capturing their adaptive leadership, instructional competence, and dedication to mentoring. Gaduyon, Francisco, and Ochavo explored career fit experiences among college graduates, emphasizing the importance of aligning academic preparation with professional demands to support successful transitions from school to work. Extending into the life sciences, Seran, de los Santos, Escalante, and Lizada examine the synergistic antibacterial potential of Philippine oregano essential oil with tetracycline against Aeromonas species, contributing to the discourse on alternative strategies to combat antibiotic resistance in aquaculture. We extend our sincere gratitude to the authors for their scholarly contributions, to our peer reviewers for their discerning evaluations, and to the Publication and Engagement Office led by Dr. Lota Largavista for their steadfast support. As you read through this issue, we invite you to engage deeply with the ideas presented, to draw inspiration from the innovations and insights shared, and to carry forward the commitment to research that uplifts communities, advances professional practice, and enriches the collective pursuit of knowledge. Sincerely, JOVAL N. MARTINEZ Editor-in-Chief