COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND EXTERNAL STUDIES
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
(DSTVE)
COURSE NAME: COMPARATIVE EDUCATION (THEORIES AND PRACTICE)
COURSE CODE: EDC2202
GROUP BUJJAGALI FALLS MEMBERS (THURSDAY GROUP)
NAME REGISTRATION NO. STUDENT NO. SIGNATURE
MUWONGE ARAFAT 24/U/0802 2400700802
KIZZA MUSA 24/U/0581 2400700581
LUSIBA SHALIFF 24/U/22826 2400722826
NALULE PEARL MWEBAZA 24/U/0989 2400700989
KHAITSA DORCUS 24/U/0541 2400700541
KIZITO JEFFERSON 24/U/0580 2400700580
NAKUYA MARY 24/U/25190/PS 2400725190
NANTAMBI SUMAYA 24/U/1101 2400701101
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FIELD WORK REPORT: EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS AND GRADUATE
PREPAREDNESS
Course: Comparative Education (Theories and Practice)
Institution: Makerere University, College of Education and External Studies
Date: March 2026
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This report presents findings from field interviews conducted with employers across various
sectors, including Health, Education and Service. The primary objective was to assess the
alignment between academic training and the practical requirements of the world of work.
2.0 RESPONDENT PROFILE
The group interviewed supervisors and directors from the following organizations:
Community Medical Centre: A health sector organization with 1–10 employees.
Jireh Junior School: An education sector organization with 11–50 employees.
Mulago National Referral Hospital: A major health institution.
Code High School Seeta: An education institution with over 50 employees.
Quick Laundry: A hospitality/service sector business.
3.0 KEY FINDINGS
3.1 Employment Expectations and Qualifications
Employers generally expect fresh graduates to possess formal academic documents, such as
degrees or diplomas. Specific requirements include:
Registration Certificates: Required for health workers.
Academic Transcripts: Essential for verifying theoretical knowledge.
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English and a hardworking attitude were
specifically noted in the service sector.
3.2 Required Hard and Soft Skills
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There is a clear distinction between the technical skills required and the personal qualities valued
by employers:
Hard Skills: Education employers prioritize teaching methods, lesson planning and
classroom management. Health sector employers emphasize patient care, record keeping
and emergency response.
Soft Skills: Across all sectors, Communication, Teamwork, Time Management and
Problem Solving are highly valued.
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3.3 Identified Gaps in Graduate Preparedness
Most employers believe graduates are not fully prepared for the world of work. Common
deficiencies include:
Practical Experience: Graduates often lack the ability to apply theory to practical
situations.
Professionalism and Discipline: A lack of discipline, poor time management and low
emotional resilience were frequently cited.
Specific Skill Deficiencies: These include poor lesson planning in education, lack of
vocational skills and inadequate diagnostic skills in health.
4.0 CHALLENGES FACED BY EMPLOYERS
Employers face several hurdles when hiring fresh graduates:
1. Incomplete Documentation: Many graduates lack their final academic papers at the time
of recruitment.
2. Adjustment Period: Due to a lack of experience, new hires often take a long time to
adjust to professional environments.
3. Skill Mismatch: Some graduates are viewed as "under-qualified" despite their degrees,
particularly regarding real-world "hand-on" skills.
4. 5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 To Educational Institutions
1. Strengthen Practical Training: Universities should prioritize work-based learning and
exposure to real-life situations.
2. Curriculum Alignment: Align academic curricula with current industry needs and
integrate soft skills development.
3. Instill Discipline: Schools should place more emphasis on time management, teamwork
and professional integrity.
5.2 To Students and Trainees
Focus on Adaptability: Trainees should be ready to relate classroom theory to
real-world happenings.
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Value All Opportunities: Graduates are advised not to undermine jobs or wait
only for "white-collar" positions immediately after graduation.
6.0 CONCLUSION
The field work highlights a significant "readiness gap" between university output and employer
needs. While graduates possess the necessary theoretical background, there is an urgent need for
increased practical exposure and a stronger focus on professional soft skills to enhance
employability.