A CAREER PATH: TRACKING THE EMPLOYMENT STATUS OF MONCAST FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT GRADUATES OF BATCH 2022

This tracer study examines the employment status and career pathways of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Financial Management graduates from Monkayo College of Arts, Sciences and Technology (MonCAST), Batch 2022. Using a descriptive quantitative design, the study surveyed all 89 graduates to assess their employability, job relevance, initial earnings, job search duration, and professional development. Results reveal a high overall employability rate of 87.6%, with a notable gender disparity favoring female graduates. However, only 46.2% of employed graduates secured jobs related to their field of study, highlighting a significant gap between academic preparation and labor market alignment. The majority entered contractual or entry-level roles within seven to eleven months post-graduation, with initial salaries mostly ranging from 11,000 to 15,000. While most graduates remain employed locally, a minimal fraction works overseas or pursues advanced studies. Key barriers identified include low eligibility exam pass rates and underemployment in unrelated fields. Graduates recommend enhancing technological training, industry partnerships, practical skill integration, and support for licensure examinations. Findings underscore the need for curriculum alignment, stronger career services, and sustained alumni tracking to better equip future graduates for meaningful, stable, and course-relevant employment in the evolving financial industry.