Which information technology major is right for me?: a preliminary finding

ABSTRACT

Students interested in an IT career understand little about the actual knowledge and critical skills required by each of the information technology majors (i.e., computer science, information systems, and telecommunications management). Existing psychometric career orientation measurements can be used to assist students in their selections of different IT majors. The preliminary analysis suggests that a discriminant function can be used to classify student groups and assist them in making wiser career decisions. By understanding the students' career orientations and assisting them with the selection of a major, we can ultimately increase their motivation to pursue IT careers.

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INDEX TERMS

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

Additional Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.7 THE COMPUTING PROFESSION
      K.7.1 Occupations

General Terms:
Human Factors, Management, Measurement

Keywords:
IT education, IT knowledge, IT skills, career anchors