BEYOND GRADES: THE REAL COST OF ENTRY FOR NON-SCHOLAR MARITIME GRADUATES

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between funding status and employability among Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) graduates of the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS), Batch 2022–2024. In the highly competitive maritime industry, academic scholarships are frequently regarded as offering graduates a significant advantage in obtaining apprenticeship placements and initial employment. This study sought to assess whether the funding status has a considerable impact on the employability outcomes of maritime graduates. A quantitative, descriptive-correlational research design was utilized. Data was collected from 100 AIMS BSMT alumni via a structured survey questionnaire conducted online. Respondents were classified based on funding status as either academic scholars or non-scholars. Employability was assessed through indicators including employment status, time to secure the initial seagoing position, length of the first contract, employment strategies, job position at the time of hiring, and gross monthly income. Statistical analyses comprised frequency and percentage distributions, as well as the Chi-Square Test of Independence, to assess the association between funding status and employability variables. Findings indicated that academic scholars typically encountered shortened waiting periods for employment and had greater access to staffing agencies in comparison to non-scholar graduates. The Chi-Square analysis demonstrated a significant association between funding status and employability, indicating that scholarship support plays a role in enhancing employment outcomes. However, the findings also indicated that non-academic factors, including personal initiative, employment strategies, and skill development, are significant in securing employment. The research determined that although funding status is markedly correlated with employability, it should not be regarded as the exclusive factor influencing career achievement.

Keywords

Citation