Students put off by 'boring' IT jobs

Educators are worried about falling numbers of students studying computing

Students are declining to study technology related courses because of a perception that IT jobs are boring, according to the Career Development Organisation.

Research found that, although many consider the IT sector to have a bright future with good prospects, half of IT employers are failing to fill vacancies and educators are worried about falling numbers studying computing.

"Over 60 per cent of non-computing students cited 'boring work' as the main reason they would not join the sector," said Robin Mellors-Bourne, development director at the Career Development Organisation.

"Employers should be able to counter this kind of perception. We found that very few of the students hold negative perceptions about the IT profession or its people."

The British Computing Society (BCS) is promoting an outreach campaign to schools to help inform students about possible careers in the IT sector.

"We need to encourage more students to study computer science and computer-related studies at universities to ensure that the IT industry can meet the demand for workers in the future," said Mike Rodd, director of BCS Learned Society.

"Studying a computing or ICT A-level at school also has a surprisingly big impact on whether a student ultimately goes into an IT career, irrespective of their degree."

Work experience has a huge impact on career choices for undergraduates and can help dispel the perception that IT jobs are boring, according to the findings.

"Greater exposure of young people to the merits of a job in the IT sector is vital. We need to show them the variety of roles in IT and the importance that IT carries today," concluded Rodd.

The research also found that gender played a significant role in the motivation for career choices.

Although men and women are equally keen to study computing subjects, men are more drawn to technical projects and women to the study of the impact of IT.