Curricular and Institutional Support as Determinants of Career Paths Among BSA Graduates: Basis for Curricular Enhancement
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20400004Keywords:
agricultural education, BSA graduates, career paths, curriculum enhancement, industry 4.0, institutional support, last mile gap, qualitative researchAbstract
This exploratory sequential qualitative study investigated the influence of curricular and institutional support on the career paths of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) graduates from Cagayan State University Gonzaga Campus (cohorts 2018–2022). Grounded in Human Capital Theory, Social Cognitive Career Theory, and Curriculum Theory, the study analyzed the lived experiences of twelve (12) purposively selected alumni through thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's (2022) six-phase framework. Findings revealed a non-linear professional evolution marked by Strategic Patience in public service and a significant Entrepreneurial Pivot (33.3%) among graduates who established independent technical ventures. While the curriculum maintains high technical credibility in foundational sciences, a pronounced Digital-Analog Dissonance was identified between traditional academic production models and the demands of Industry 4.0. Faculty mentorship served as the primary psychological anchor, but findings exposed a structural "Last Mile Gap"—a vacuum of institutional support during the post-graduation to licensure transition. Professional attrition was driven primarily by economic friction rather than vocational disengagement. Based on these qualitative insights, the study culminated in the development of the AGRI-RECON (Agricultural Re-calibration and Operational Networking) Framework, a 6-Key Result Area (KRA) strategic blueprint proposing the institutionalization of an in-house review program, an Alumni Placement Office, and a Smart Farming Infusion module. The framework ensures alignment of academic training with the technological exigencies of the modern global agricultural workforce.
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