Employment Status of the Bachelor of Arts in English Language Graduates: Insights for Curriculum Enhancement

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) play a crucial role in national development, with graduate employability as a key indicator of educational quality. This study examines the employment status of Bachelor of Arts in English Language (BAEL) graduates from the 2019, 2020, and 2022 cohorts at Bukidnon State University. The objectives are to assess the graduates’ employment rate, classification, and occupational roles and to propose curriculum enhancements based on employment trends. A convergent parallel mixed-method design was used, gathering data through an adapted CHED questionnaire. The findings reveal a positive trend in employment rates, with a significant increase in permanent employment and a decrease in self-employment, likely due to economic shifts favoring stable, salaried positions. Many BAEL graduates find work in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, capitalizing on their strong English language skills. However, fewer graduates are employed in administrative roles, indicating a possible mismatch between skillsets and job placement in that sector. Additionally, the study underscores the versatility of BAEL graduates who pursue careers in education, customer service, and professional roles such as virtual assistants and technical writers. The study concludes that aligning the BAEL curriculum with current employment trends can further enhance graduates’ job prospects. Establishing an alum network early during students’ university years is also recommended to improve graduate tracking and response rates for future studies. These measures will help ensure that BAEL graduates remain competitive in an evolving job market.