Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg most inspirational figures in IT

Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg are viewed as the IT personalities that most inspire people to work in the technology sector, according to a survey from IT jobs site CWJobs.co.uk.

In a turn up for the books, Michael Dell was ranked as the third most inspirational figure, despite having had an up and down year, and even facing a shareholder revolt back in August.

Meanwhile, ever excitable Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer and Google's founder Larry Page rounded off the top five.

A whopping 70 per cent believed that the Google co-founder is instrumental in attracting workers to the industry, despite the firm taking a questionable view on privacy issues at various points in the year. Apple (59 per cent) and Microsoft (53 per cent) are also seen as big name attractions.

Some 40 per cent believed that the launch of the iPad alone encouraged people to take up IT jobs, despite the tablet being a little bit overrated in the eyes of V3.co.uk.

Advancement in the field of mobile development, social media, cloud computing and 3D animation are also key factors that have attracted jobseekers young and old to the IT industry.

The survey of 5,500 IT professionals revealed that almost half (46 per cent) feel that the IT industry is a more desirable industry to work in now than it was five years ago. Here, here.

The top five most inspirational personalities in the IT community:
1. Steve Jobs, Apple
2. Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook
3. Michael Dell, Dell
4. Steve Ballmer, Microsoft
5. Larry Page, Google

V3.co.uk is running its own Best of 2010 awards and would love to hear your views on the best technology products and events of this year.

Completing this two minute survey will give you the opportunity to vote for your favourite smartphone, laptop, tech hero and villain. We'll also enter you into our prize draw, where one lucky winner will win an Amazon Kindle.

24 Nov 2010