Advisers

Robert Kevei Cruz

Discipline

Tourism & hospitality

Abstract

The tourism industry is a major driver of employment worldwide, contributing significantly to global GDP and job creation. In the Philippines, tourism graduates play a vital role in sustaining this sector, yet many face challenges such as skill mismatches, limited industry exposure, and employment outside their field of study. This study assessed the employment status of Tourism Management graduates of Bestlink College of the Philippines (BCP), focusing on job relevance, satisfaction, employment sustainability, and career progression. A descriptive-quantitative research design was employed, using a structured hybrid questionnaire were distribute and identified through snowball sampling. Statistical tools such as frequency and percentage distribution, weighted mean, ranking, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to analyze the data. Results indicated that 90% of respondents were aged 20–24, with a majority being female (75.71%) and 41.43% graduating in 2025. Among them, 78.57% were employed full-time, primarily in tourism and hospitality (57.97%), with many in entry-level roles such as Front Desk Officers (22.86%). The largest income group earned 20,000–24,999 monthly. Overall, respondents rated their job relevance (WM=3.27), job satisfaction (WM=3.38), and career progression (WM=3.33) positively, though there were concerns about employment sustainability (WM=3.25). Educational tours and exposure were highly valued in preparing graduates for industry needs (WM=3.29). The study concluded that while tourism graduates are employable and generally satisfied, they face persistent challenges, particularly in job competition, financial constraints, and career advancement. To address these, a Career Development Plan was proposed, emphasizing stronger industry partnerships, enhanced training, internships, and career services to improve employability and long-term growth.

Keywords

career development, tourism graduates, employment status