The K-12 program was fully implemented in school year 2012-2013 and the first batch of graduates are joining the workforce in 2018. Like any other fresh graduates, they are eager to land their first jobs and most are anxious about what's in store for them career-wise.
Hiring the Fresh Graduates: The Employers' View
In 2015, the employers' main considerations were internship experience, extra-curricular activities and other experience-based qualifications. For 2018, attitude and work ethics took the top spot while communication skills and analytical thinking ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Employers prefer hiring candidates who possess interpersonal and 21st century proficiency. Factors such as task management efficiency, leadership potential, customer empathy, and situational analysis are rated the lowest.
Employers Preferred School
Last year, graduates from Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), University of the Philippines (UP) and Ateneo de Manila Univerity were preferred by most employers. These schools still maintained their ranking for 2018. Two schools outside Metro Manila made it to the list. University of San Carlos ranked 8 while University of Cebu ranked 9. Other schools in the list include University of Santo Tomas (UST), Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP), University of the East (UE), De La Salle University (DLSU), Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), and Far Eastern University (FEU).
When the employers were asked why they prefer graduates from these schools, they pointed out that they believe in the schools' reputation of producing quality graduates and eventual employees.
Job Opportunities and Salaries
According to Philip Gioca, JobStreet.com Philippines Country Manager, more employers are opening their doors to fresh graduates in industries such as BPO, manufacturing, and professional services. In terms of salaries, law graduates are the best paid with an average monthly salary of P27,355. Fresh graduates who are into public relations/communications receive an average monthly salary of P24,675. Those who are specializing in content creation such as content writer, foreign language content translator, and junior technical writer receive an average monthly salary of P22,446.
It is good to note that 50% of the survey respondents are willing to pay the fresh graduate hires more than the minimum wage.
*The JobStreet.com Fresh Graduate Report is based on data from the last quarter of 2017 and a survey to employers conducted in February 2018.
Photos: Jan Limuel Candia