The career outcomes of alumni from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) in Naga City, Philippines, reflect the institution’s dual identity as both a traditional liberal arts college and a modern, corporate-backed career accelerator.
While the academic core emphasizes intellectual and ethical formation, the university’s Career Services and Placement Office and its flagship Professional Employment Program (PEP) function as critical bridges to industry, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the challenging labor market of the Bicol region.
Academic and Institutional Context
- College of Arts & Sciences (CAS): Also known as the School of Social & Natural Sciences (SSNS), CAS administers three accredited undergraduate programs:
- BA Psychology
- BA Political Science
- BS Biology
- Educational Philosophy: CAS emphasizes “life readiness and resilience” through transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
- Reputation: As the first university in Southern Luzon and the Bicol Region, UNC maintains significant brand prestige, enhancing the employability of its alumni.
Career Services and Employment Infrastructure
Career Services and Placement Office
Established in 2014, this office is the main hub for employability initiatives. Services include:
- Career counseling and self-assessment tools.
- Resume and interview preparation workshops.
- Job boards linked to LinkedIn, Jobs180, and Jobstreet.
- On-the-Job Training (OJT) placements with industry partners.
- Annual career fairs featuring major recruiters (e.g., BDO, IBM, Sutherland, JG Summit).
UNC claims a 95% employment rate within six months of graduation, supported by tracer studies.
Professional Employment Program (PEP)
The PEP is the capstone of UNC’s career readiness strategy. For one semester, seniors train in simulated corporate environments, with professional evaluation instead of academic grading.
- Corporate Backing: Designed by Ayala Education, PEP is embedded with industry expectations.
- Quantifiable Impact:
- Doubles employment likelihood within 90 days.
- Increases starting salaries by 45%.
PEP is considered the single most important determinant of post-graduation career acceleration for CAS students.
Alumni Trajectories
Psychology
- Common Pathway: Human Resources (HR).
- Salary Spectrum:
- HR Officer (local firms): PHP 11,000–15,000/month.
- HR Business Partner (multinationals/BPO): PHP 35,200–44,000/month.
- Advanced Pathways: Registered Psychologist (PHP 47,000–57,000/month nationally).
- Example: Luz Del Dia (College of Education alumna, parallel trajectory) rose to AVP for Human Resources at SM Retail, illustrating HR as a lucrative pathway for psychology graduates.
Political Science
- Entry Roles: Paralegal (PHP 18,000–30,000/month), Policy Analyst (PHP 20,000–30,000/month), Legislative Researcher (PHP 35,000–50,000/month).
- Long-Term Roles: Government Relations Specialist (PHP 59,000/month average).
- Pathway to Law: Many Political Science alumni pursue law school at UNC or other institutions.
Biology
- Entry Roles: Medical Representative (PHP 17,000–22,000/month + allowances), Laboratory Assistant (PHP 18,000–20,000/month), Quality Control Analyst (PHP 22,000–25,000/month).
- Advanced Pathways: Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, and allied health professions (significant salary escalation).
Regional Labor Market Realities
- Bicol Region (2024 PSA data):
- Lowest labor force participation rate: 59.3%.
- High underemployment: 19.6%.
- Camarines Sur unemployment: 5.8%.
Despite these constraints, UNC alumni outperform peers due to institutional brand, industry partnerships, and structured career readiness programs.
Return on Investment (ROI)
- Estimated Total 4-Year Cost: PHP 200,000–250,000.
- Baseline Entry-Level Salaries (without PEP): PHP 14,000–22,000/month.
- PEP-Adjusted Salaries: Uplift by 45%.
ROI Projection Table
| Career Pathway (Major) | 4-Year Cost | Baseline Entry Salary | PEP Salary (45% Uplift) | ROI Years (Baseline) | ROI Years (PEP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HR Generalist (Psychology) | PHP 200–250k | PHP 180–264k | PHP 261–383k | 0.9–1.4 yrs | 0.6–1.0 yrs |
| Policy Analyst (Political Science) | PHP 200–250k | PHP 240–360k | PHP 348–522k | 0.7–1.0 yrs | 0.5–0.7 yrs |
| Medical Rep (Biology) | PHP 200–250k | PHP 204–264k | PHP 296–383k | 0.9–1.2 yrs | 0.6–0.8 yrs |
Verdict: ROI is positive within 1–1.5 years without PEP, and under 1 year with PEP.
Strategic Recommendations for Students
- Prioritize PEP Admission: The strongest determinant of ROI.
- Engage Career Services Early: Start counseling and skills workshops in Year 1.
- Maximize OJT and Networking: Seek placements with UNC’s top employer partners.
- View CAS Programs as Gateways: Psychology → HR; Political Science → Law/Policy; Biology → Healthcare.
- Leverage Regional Prestige: UNC’s brand and alumni network serve as key differentiators in the Bicol labor market.
Leave a Reply