Self-perceptions and job preferences of entry-level information systems professionals: implications for career development

ABSTRACT

This study describes the self-perceptions and job preferences of 938 students majoring in information systems at 37 colleges and universities just prior to their graduation. Scores on a specially-devised Personal Characteristics Inventory (25 items) and Job Preference Inventory (20 items) were factor analyzed as a data reduction technique and treated as dependent variables. Five independent variables (career certainty, sex, type of degree, age, and overall grade point average) accounted for 38 significant differences in the dependent variables.Career certainty, sex, and age were strongly related to self-described work capacities, traits, and behaviors. Undergraduate versus graduate degree candidacy was the variable most strongly influencing the importance the students assigned to specific job characteristics.Based upon these findings, these entry-level IS professionals are profiled according to their characteristics, perceptions, and preferences; and these profiles are then discussed in terms of career development and career management.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.7 THE COMPUTING PROFESSION

Additional Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS

General Terms:
Documentation, Human Factors, Management