Why is this research important?
Business organizations continue to integrate the use of technology into the strategy of their operations. The technology appetite for suppliers, customers, employees, and management continues to be increasing at a rapid pace. As any other manufactured product, technology requires skilled professionals to build technology solutions. Therefore, the demand for technology-based positions continues to increase.
However, the gap between the supply of technology professionals and demand has formed challenges for information technology department and recruiting professionals.
Remember, that the STEM designation includes four disciplines with technology-based occupations as only one segment of this group.
Consider the following statistics:
- College enrollment rates for both four- and two-year institutions for 18 - 24yo from 2020 to 2019 have maintained steady at approximately 40 percent.
- In a 2020 study by NCES, approximately 40% of 15 year old students expected to have a career in either STEM or health by the age of 30 (16% and 23% respectively). However, the study found that a higher percentage of females expected to be employed in a health-based career and males conversely with a STEM-based career.
- The same study while females have a higher percentage of undergraduate degrees, about two-thirds of STEM-based degrees are awarded to male graduates.
- The employment statistics for 13 IT careers will increase by 11% from 2019 to 2029; an increase of 579 thousand jobs (US-BLS).
- A recent search of a major US financial services firm showed 389 open information technology positions.
- Just in (Sept 6), the Wall Street Journal reported that "men are abandoning higher education in such number that they now trail female college students by record levels.
Clearly, the recruitment of information technology professionals for organizations is a challenge that needs to be addressed by education (K-18) and businesses.
Especially considering the latest WSJ article ... If males tend to major in IT/STEM careers and the number of male college entrants are declining, then the pool of candidates may dwindle more. I may have some thoughts on this topic.
What are the details of the research?
Beginning in 2016, this research study compiled the perceptions of various indicators associated with college students. The survey has been predominately administered to first-year undergraduate students. The survey was administered online during a required course for all first-year students in two universities.
Through a review of literature on this subject, the various influential factors were gathered to develop a research model consisting of 12 constructs. These constructs varied from aptitude, attitude, and difficulty in major. One of the constructs also measured the student's intent to major in information technology.
The final survey instrument consisted of a total of 49 questions; 40 questions related to the 12 constructs measuring the various influences. The remaining questions were classification and additional research questions. Survey responses were collected and reviewed for validity. As of August 2021, 1,437 valid records have been recorded from first-year college students.
Over the next year, several individual findings will be posted to the SousaMIS blog and sent through various social media outlets. These short posts will provide important insight for business and education professionals with the ability to recruit, train and hire information technology professionals.
If you have any comments, thoughts or questions on this research, send an email to the author below.