Finding the Linguist: An AB English Graduates Tracer Study

Abstract

This study was conducted to find the employability of the AB English graduates from 2001 – 2013. The Alumni Tracer Study Questionnaire was used to determine the demographic, employment and training profiles, leadership and volunteerism. Results revealed that most of the respondents were female, single, graduated in 2012 and few took the Civil Service Eligibility and Licensure Examination for Teachers. Moreover, majority were regularly employed in the local corporations as ESL tutors, and family concern was one of the reasons for non-employment of some. Also, majority found their jobs before graduation, and they found relatedness of the AB English Programs to their jobs. Respondents found their jobs as either recommended by someone or information from friends. Moreover, majority waited only less than a month to land their first jobs. It was also revealed that salaries and benefits and career challenge were factors for staying and leaving their jobs. Further, most respondents stayed in their jobs either 1 to less than 6 months. They found communication skills and critical thinking skills as the most helpful competencies in their first job. Respondents unanimously agreed the usefulness and applicability of the English Program to their present job; however, only 80% to 100% found usefulness and applicability of the AB English Training. Professionalism was the personal value they believed most useful in achieving employment success. Unfortunately, most graduates did not involve in organizational membership and volunteer work. Improvement in communicative skills and comprehensive scope were suggested to improve the AB English Curriculum and On-the-Job-Training respectively.