University of Baguio Career and Placement Activities Effectively Prepare Graduating Students for Workforce Transition

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FORMOSA NEWS

BAGUIO – Workplace readiness among university graduates has become a vital prerequisite for navigating today's rapidly evolving labor market. A 2026 scientific study conducted by Rizza Joy Quitaleg, Leny O. Estacio, and Kristina G. Velasco from the University of Baguio evaluated the effectiveness of institutional career pathing and placement initiatives in building job readiness among graduating students. This research offers essential insights for higher education institutions striving to enhance the transition of students from academic settings into professional careers.

Modern industry expectations require higher education institutions to look beyond classroom instruction by providing comprehensive career guidance and long-term professional planning. Without targeted institutional support, graduating students frequently encounter career indecision or skills mismatches upon entering the competitive job market. To address these challenges, the Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) alongside various academic units at the University of Baguio implemented structured career development interventions.

To assess the impact of these services, the researchers executed a quantitative descriptive-survey study involving 656 graduating students from the December 2023 and June 2024 commencement cohorts. Data were collected using a validated survey instrument aligning with national standards for student career development. Quantitative analysis utilized weighted mean evaluations to measure service effectiveness, while open-ended student suggestions were examined through thematic analysis to identify strategic areas for continuous quality improvement.

The research findings demonstrate that the university's career pathing activities are highly effective in fostering workplace readiness, yielding a high overall effectiveness mean score. Pre-employment activities—specifically pre-employment webinars, job application cover letter drafting, curriculum vitae preparation, and mock job interviews—received the highest effectiveness ratings from student participants. Furthermore, career counseling, job fairs, job orientations, general mental ability assessments, and on-the-job training programs successfully equipped students with foundational workplace competencies.

Thematic analysis of student feedback revealed two primary dimensions for future program enhancement: potential growth opportunities and specialized skills development. Respondents recommended expanding international internship exposures, broadening industry connections during job fairs, and delivering course-specific career workshops tailored to professional disciplines. Additionally, tapping alumni as guest speakers was highlighted as an effective approach to providing realistic workplace insights.

These findings carry significant implications for university administrators, educational policymakers, and industry partners. The study confirms that organized career development programs are essential for reducing job-skills mismatches and supporting smooth workforce entry. Strategic policy recommendations encourage institutions to continuously update career services by incorporating emerging workplace trends, such as artificial intelligence integration, while strengthening promotional strategies to ensure maximum student participation.

This research was authored by Rizza Joy Quitaleg, Leny O. Estacio, and Kristina G. Velasco from the University of Baguio, Philippines.

Author Profile: Rizza Joy Quitaleg, Leny O. Estacio, Kristina G. Velasco (University of Baguio)

Research Source: 

Article Title: A Look into the Career and Placement Activities of the University of Baguio 

Journal: East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (EAJMR), Vol. 5, No. 9, 2026, pp. 3671-3684 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v5i9.295 

Journal Link: https://journaleajmr.my.id/index.php/eajmr