This tracer study examines the professional transitions and employment outcomes of the 2024 graduating class from Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU) in Ethiopia. While a significant 85.7% of graduates are currently working or pursuing further education, the research highlights a persistent gap between theoretical knowledge and practical technical skills. Although nearly all students completed internships, only half found them highly effective, and very few job placements were attributed to university career services. Graduates expressed high confidence in conceptual problem-solving but reported lower proficiency in leadership, communication, and industry-specific software. The authors advocate for curriculum reform that prioritizes hands-on training, stronger industry partnerships, and the formal integration of soft skills to better align academic output with labor market demands. Ultimately, the source serves as an evidence-based framework for institutional quality assurance and national human resource planning.
From Employment to Graduation: Lessons From a Tracer Study of Adama Science and Technology University's 2024 Cohort
The study examines the employment outcomes and skill relevance of Adama Science and Technology University’s 2024 graduating cohort. Using a mixed-methods approach involving 251 graduates from 15 departments, the research evaluates the transition from higher education to the Ethiopian workforce.