Intentions to pursue a career in information systems and technology: An empirical study of South African students

Abstract

This paper reports on a study of the IT career interests of 263 South African university students. Drawing primarily on social cognitive career theory, a number of variables were selected and their effects on student intentions to pursue an IT career and choice of major were examined. Results revealed very low IT career intentions amongst students. Occupational self-efficacy, computing experience, computer anxiety, computer self-efficacy, and perceived career rewards were found to be important factors. Student perceptions of the core introductory IS course are also strongly linked to their intentions. Demography (gender and race) had mostly indirect effects.