Revisiting Curriculum Relevance: A Study of English Language Education Graduates^ Careers
Retno Wulan Dari (a*), Suvi Akhiriyah (a), Eva Rahmawati (a)

a) Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Surabaya
Kampus Unesa 2, Lidah Wetan, Surabaya 60213, Indonesia

Abstract

This study explores how well graduates from the S1 English Language Education Program at Universitas Negeri Surabaya meet the demands of the labor market. Using a descriptive quantitative approach, data were collected through surveys and questionnaires from 416 graduates between 2019 and 2023, achieving a response rate of 99.76%. The findings reveal that by 2023, 72% of graduates were employed in roles aligned with the program^s core profile as educators, an increase from 52% in 2019. However, a notable portion of graduates transitioned into non-teaching professions, particularly in administration and digital-based roles, reflecting the growing need for digital literacy and administrative skills in today^s workforce. These results underscore the importance of updating the curriculum to include modules on these emerging competencies, ensuring graduates remain adaptable to evolving job market demands. Regular tracer studies are recommended to maintain curriculum relevance and enhance graduate competitiveness in diverse career paths.

Keywords: tracer study, graduate competencies, labor market alignment, curriculum development.

Topic: Languages Education