Exploring Paulinian’s Demonstrated Competencies in Selected Industries: Basis for Enhancement of Outcomes-Based Education of St. Paul University Surigao

Abstract

This study evaluated the employability skills of graduates across various academic programs at St. Paul University Surigao using a mixed-method explanatory design, wherein the study focused on the effectiveness of their Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) strategies. The findings revealed that SPUS programs generally equipped their graduates with strong technical competencies essential for their respective fields. However, there exists a need for continuous enhancement in employability skills across all programs to ensure that the graduates are prepared to meet the evolving demands of various industries. For the Nursing program, while their graduates excelled in clinical skills, improvements in communication abilities were found necessary to better align with healthcare industry requirements. Similarly, it was found that the Criminology program prepared its graduates well for law enforcement roles, however, they need to strengthen their research capabilities. Moreover, the Secondary Education Major in English program effectively integrated technological proficiency and ethical standards but there were opportunities for enhancing the graduates’ linguistic and literary knowledge. Additionally, the Mining Engineering program equipped its graduates with critical technical competencies but required further development in problem-solving skills and industry trend awareness. Likewise, the Information Technology program imparted robust technical skills, however, it should increase focus on the communication and teamwork abilities of its graduates. With this, SPUS should prioritize regular curriculum reviews and updates based on industry feedback. In addition, practical skills development such as hands-on learning experiences and workshops is crucial for enhancing employability skills across all disciplines concerned in this study.