Gender-Based Tracking of Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management Graduates at Mariano Marcos State University, City of Batac, Philippines

The study discusses the profile, educational experiences, employment status, and employment data of the BS Tourism Management graduates from the College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy at Mariano Marcos State University, City of Batac, Ilocos Norte, from SY 2013-2014 to SY 2017-2018, using gender-based analysis. The study examined the profiles of 135 BSTM graduates, representing 30.34% of the total BS Tourism Management graduates, in terms of general information, educational experience, and employment data. Employing a descriptive research design and adapting the CHED-Graduate Tracer Study survey questionnaire, primary data were gathered through structured online surveys. Data were analyzed using basic descriptive statistical treatments such as percentages and frequency. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents are female. In terms of sex analysis, the majority of males and females are single and heterosexual, and they live in Ilocos Norte, Region I municipalities. They pursued a BSTM degree, with the majority receiving no honors, awards, or scholarships, but valued interpersonal relations abilities as well as computing and customer service skills. With these abilities gained at university, the majority of respondents were first employed as permanent employees in local private agencies relevant to their study, where they were paid between 5,001 and 15,000 pesos per month. They discovered the job in less than a month and took it mostly because of the career challenge. However, because of salaries and benefits, more than half of the total respondents eventually shifted to employment unrelated to the course. This shows the importance of compensation for job satisfaction in the tourism industry, which has also been shown in several studies. This study also found gender differences. In terms of reasons for taking the BSTM course, male respondents said it was for the possibility of career advancement, while female respondents said it was because they had a strong passion for the profession. When it comes to how they got their first jobs, males were recommended by someone, while females got them through walk-in applications. Finally, male respondents accepted the first job due to salary and benefit expectations, whereas female respondents accepted the position due to a career challenge. Recommendations of the study include training and workshop related to the professional skills in the industry, curriculum enhancement, strengthening internship programs, ensure having similar opportunities across all genders, and constant review of the program.