Employability of Graduate Alumni from the School of Geography: associated factors and relevance of training at the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México

Abstract

This paper analyzes the job placement and performance of graduates from the Master's Program in Spatial Analysis and Geoinformatics at the School of Geography in the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. The objective was to identify the factors associated with job placement and performance, as well as their relationship with the training received and professional satisfaction. A mixed-method approach was used. A survey based on the methodology of the National Association of Universities and Institutions of Higher Education (ANUIES) was administered to 64 graduates from 13 cohorts (2008–2020). 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted between January and February 2024 to explore career paths and program evaluations. The survey results show a job placement rate of 73%, predominantly in the public sector, especially in the field of education. The statistical analysis of the instrument identifies prior professional experience, institutional prestige, and proficiency in geospatial software, particularly Geographic Information Systems (GIS), as well as factors associated with job placement. Furthermore, over 80% of the surveyed graduates and all interviewees indicated that they have applied the knowledge acquired during their training in their professional practice. It is concluded that the program has high professional relevance; however, areas for improvement are identified related to technological updates, faculty support, and gender equity.