Tracer study as a tool in updating public health curriculum: Tracer study of faculty of public health UI 2003, 2006, and 2008

In Indonesia, academic efforts related to link between higher education and employment has not been paid sufficient attention.  A continuous attention regarding the link and relationship between higher education’s vision and changes that occurred in the working and industrial world should be emphasized. In this regard, Tracer Study, a study obtaining information from graduates could provide useful information to higher education institution and stakeholders about its graduates and employment situation.. In order to develop up-dated curriculum match with graduates’ employment, work, and competencies needed Faculty of Public Health University of Indonesia (FPHUI), as a public health academic leading sector in Indonesia, was conducted tracer studies regularly (FPHUI’s tracer study 2003, 2006 and 2008).  Design of the study was varied depend on the study objectives.  To gather information regarding graduates current’ activities, employment and work, a quantitative study using multimode tracking approaches (mail, e-mail, telephone, fax, and direct meeting) was conducted among FPHUI graduates from 1993-2002 cohorts (FPHUI’s Tracer Study, 2003) and from 2000-2006 cohorts (FPHUI’s Tracer Study, 2008).  A study aimed at digging information about graduates’ skills and competencies from employers’ perspective was conducted by qualitative approach (FPHUI’s Tracer Study 2006).  It was surprisingly found that ability on theoretical knowledge was exceeding the demand, on the other hand leadership, organizational management, communication skills, English, and teamwork was below demand and need improvement.  It is recommended to conduct tracer study periodically to obtain up-dated information on transition and labor market signal as well as information on some aspects of learning process.  Benefit of tracer study related to alumni contact should be incorporated as a basis for regular contact to maintain mutually beneficial relationship between alumni and faculty.  Important information such as the need of generic competencies and outside class learning experiences should be considered in developing curriculum and “hidden” curriculum.