IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE EMPLOYMENT RATE OF BSMT STUDENTS OF CAR 2021 OF MSEUF

Navigating the graduate job market in a global pandemic is no easy task and requires graduates to adopt a different approach to their job search in such uncertain times. The pandemic impacted graduates on a global scale, with the class of 2020 entering an even more competitive and challenging job market. One of the ultimate goals of higher education institutions' (HEIs') efforts to provide quality in all of their undertakings is graduates' employability. Since Covid-19 has brought to light huge inefficiencies in the way that the maritime industry handles and safeguards seafarers, researchers conducted a study utilizing a descriptive quantitative approach wherein quantitative data was derived. After a thorough survey, the researchers observed how the present careers in the sector are affected. Findings show that the main challenges during employment are work and life balance and salary. Moreover, it also proved that the pandemic graduates experienced a lot of challenges in terms of their skills and health. Due to limitations in the physical setting, it was found that ‘soft skills’ are lacking because of less interaction and communication. Despite the challenges, students were still able to overcome what they were experiencing.