Análisis de la empleabilidad de los graduados de la carrera de Comercio Exterior de la Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil y su relación con las competencias profesionales, período 2022-2026.

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze the relationship between professional competencies and the employability of graduates from the Foreign Trade program at Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil during the 2022–2026 period, considering labor market shifts and new demands across the commercial, logistical, and technological sectors. The study was conducted using a quantitative approach with a descriptive-correlational scope and a non-experimental, cross-sectional design. While the total population comprised 157 graduates, 112 participated through non-probability convenience sampling. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire alongside a semi-structured interview administered to a professional involved in graduate training and career tracking. The findings indicate that graduates evaluate their education favorably: 70.5% highlighted their technical knowledge, 72.4% their digital skills, 80.4% their soft skills, and 83.0% their practical internships. Furthermore, 74.1% are employed in fields directly related to their degree, and 61.6% secured employment within six months of graduation. Spearman's correlation coefficient yielded rₛ = 0.714 (p < 0.001), confirming a strong, statistically significant relationship between professional competencies and employability. Consequently, the primary needs identified involve expanding corporate partnerships and internship programs, updating technical curricula, and improving training in digital tools and artificial intelligence, all of which form the foundation for the proposal presented at the end of this study.