Career Trajectory: A Longitudinal Analysis of Criminology Graduates’ Attributes and Professional Success in a Private HEI

Abstract

All graduates aspire for career progression, successful career paths, and maximum professional development. The increasing demand for professionals to address emerging societal issues and new trends locally and globally necessitates continuous adaptation and upskilling to meet the evolving needs of society and personal career trajectories. This research analyzes graduates' attributes and their alignment with professional success. Thirty (30) alumni of BS Criminology in a private HEI, chosen through convenience sampling, are examined using a validated researchers-made questionnaire, pilot tested for reliability (Cronbach Alpha = 0.91 and 0.88) composed of a Likert scale checklist for quantitative and open-ended questions for qualitative. Data gathering utilized semi-structured interviews and computer-assisted techniques using Google Forms, with the observance of ethical research standards. Using frequency, percentage, and mean substantiated with the themes merged through narrative analysis, gathered data revealed that most graduates now work as law enforcers, police officers, probation, and correctional officers (about 80%). This professional success rate, a testament to our graduates' dedication and hard work, is rooted in their dreams and desire to make a difference. In addition, results showed that, as perceived, academic preparedness (x=3.52), self-efficacy (3.68) on performing criminology skills and outcome expectations to all actions made (x=3.80) are highly influential and contribute to professional success, which showcased a high perceived percentage of alignment (about 93%) implied from both quantitative and the theme discovered. With these, a contextualized career trajectory model is recommended to offer a comprehensive visual framework for understanding the stages, transitions, and skill development necessary to support students toward professional success.