Communications of the ACM
Tech Has An Image Problem With Young People
Credit: Study Breaks Magazine
Tech has an image problem. Not only does the industry suffer from a chronic shortage of older workers, but young people typically do not see professions in data or computer science as glamorous or particularly feasible. A report by Exasol in June found that less than half (49%) viewed data science as a viable career option, a conclusion largely blamed on employers, educators, and the wider technology industry.
In schools, there is evidence that technology is still being prioritized beneath traditional subjects. According to a recent survey of 16-to-24-year-olds in the U.K. by Accenture, only 24% feel confident that they'll be able to secure a career in technology in the future — even though 42% of young people acknowledge there will be more tech jobs available.
Even worse, Accenture found that, while more young women than men reported having good digital skills (44% vs 40%), they were less confident they could secure a job in tech compared to their male counterparts (20% vs 29%).
"If the digital native generation is not turning to technology as a career option, then we have a huge pipeline problem for the technology profession," says Shaheen Sayed, Accenture's technology lead for U.K. and Ireland.
From ZDNet
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