Advisers

Kimberly Joyce B. Embile, LPT, MAT

Discipline

Business

Abstract

Career shifting among college graduates has become increasingly common due to changes in labor market demands and skill requirements. The aim of this study is to establish the factors that affect career shifting among Bachelor of Science in Office Administration degree holders from Bestlink College Philippines and to assess how well they align their course with their work. Using a descriptive research design with a quantitative approach, data were collected through a Google survey form from 50 graduates selected using snowball sampling. The study found that a significant number of BSOA graduates switched careers primarily because other occupations, such as the BPO sector, provide better benefits and higher compensation. Due to the lack of office jobs in their area, most of the graduates also made other career decisions. Most respondents indicated that their current work is only moderately aligned or not aligned at all with their academic credentials. The graduates believed that they needed more modern tech training for higher office roles, even though they believed that their college course taught them how to communicate effectively with others. These factors have led to the majority of graduates working in fields unrelated to their academic background. The researcher recommended the improvement of the BSOA curriculum by incorporating industry-responsive digital and office administration competencies, providing stronger career guidance and employment facilitation, and creating greater collaboration with public and private organizations. In addition, it is also advisable to continuously improve laboratory facilities, computer software, and practical training to ensure that students are ready for the modern office environment and to bring about better alignment between academic preparation and employment outcomes, thus minimizing the occurrence of career shifting among BSOA graduates.

Keywords

graduate employability, career shifting, job mismatch, skill alignment, industry linkages