Contributors to the unrelatedness between jobs and degrees of Social Sciences Graduates

Abstract

There is a persistent challenge of educational and employment mismatch in the Philippines, especially notable among Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences graduates at Central Luzon State University. This research delves into the contributors of the unrelatedness between jobs and degrees through semi-structured interviews with 10 participants, employing snowball sampling and thematic analysis. Using the Psychology of Working Theory, the researchers systematically investigate the reasons contributing to career decision-making. Personal factors like academic struggles, passion for socialization, and the need for immediate employment shape their choices. Social pressures, workplace dynamics, and economic considerations, including familial obligations and wage disparities, also play significant roles. These findings underscore the complex interplay of personal, social, and economic factors in employment decisions. Recommendations include enhancing career counseling, facilitating networking, ensuring transparent recruitment, and providing financial and job placement support to address graduates’ challenges effectively.