IT industry struggles to attract graduates
By TJ (19-11-2007)
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IT tops the 'geek' profession league – 78 per cent of graduates think technology is the ‘geekiest’ career option, according to snapshot research from Just IT.
150 male and female graduates, who graduated between 2005 and 2007, were asked their opinions about a range of six professions – accountancy, actuarialism, engineering, investment banking, marketing and IT.
When asked about a career in IT, only 38 per cent said that they thought it would give them a chance to work with people. While 70 per cent rated IT as being just ‘quite well paid’, engineering, accountancy and banking were seen as being more lucrative and judged ‘very well paid’.
The relatively negative perception of IT led to 56 per cent admitting they have never considered applying for a technology job, making it the second least popular option after actuarialism.
“This survey highlights the challenge facing HR departments across the IT industry,” said Sunil Duggal, MD of Just IT Recruitment. “The graduate perception is that working in technology involves a very technical and boring career.”
Duggal continued: “This perception is all wrong for the majority of IT jobs out there. More than ever before, IT teams and consultants, and tech support, are working closely with business executives and playing key roles in the success of an organisation. Alongside this responsibility comes competitive financial rewards. But this doesn’t seem to be filtering through to graduates, and it is a barrier to recruiting intelligent young blood into the industry.”
“Given the importance of the tech industry to our economy today and in the future, the onus is on the IT consultancies, universities, recruitment agencies and tech professionals to increase the understanding of what a job in IT actually is, and the benefits to ambitious individuals.”
“Otherwise, it is only a matter of time before a dearth of skills at the junior level has a trickle up effect to senior level, and impacts UK plc,” Duggal concluded.
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