Training to persist in computing careers

ABSTRACT

Funded by a SIGCSE Special Project grant, Training to Persist in Computing Careers is a hands-on resource for faculty interested in incorporating soft skills training in IT-related courses. Soft skills include such abilities as controlling and using one's emotions (emotional intelligence), dealing with team issues and stress (coping strategies) and using business-appropriate language. These skills are increasingly recognized as key to success in IT-related disciplines [1, 5].

REFERENCES

• 1: Bagshaw, M., "Emotional Intelligence: Using Brain Power You Never Knew You Had," in IEEE Engineering Management, December/January 2003--2004, 13--19.
• 2: Collegiate Employment Research Institute Report (2004--05). Retrieved from: http://www.ceri.msu.edu/recruiting/documents/executivesummary.doc.
• 3: Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Fastest Growing Occupations, 2004--2014. Retrieved from http://stats.bls.gov/emp/emptab21.htm.
• 4: Foster, Andrea L., "Student Interest in Computer Science Plummets," Chronicle of Higher Education, 51, 38, May 27, 2005, A31.
• 5: McMurchie, L. L., "Info tech workers emotionally weak," Computing Canada, 24, 1998, 15--16.
• 6: Zweben, Stuart, "2004--2005 Taulbee Survey," Computing Research News, 18, 3, May 2006.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education

Additional Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.7 THE COMPUTING PROFESSION
      K.7.0 General

General Terms:
Human Factors, Management, Measurement, Performance

Keywords:
IT resilience, IT students, retention strategies, soft skills