Perceptions of first-year students on technology majors and careers : a gender analysis

The demand for information technology professionals in the United States is increasing while the number of available graduates is declining. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and refine strategies at all education levels and in business organizations to implement innovative approaches. These strategies should be designed to directly increase interest in technology majors and the recruiting/onboarding of technology personnel. This research has gathered data about technology careers relating to the attitudes and perceptions of first-year college students. The survey data was analyzed to understand perceptions through several factors compiled from past research. The seven significant factors included aptitude, attitude, interest in IT, job availability, job salary, media influence, personal image, subjective norm, and intent to major. The results of the study indicate that females believe that their perception of aptitude, attitude, subjective norm, and intent to major relating to technology careers are significantly lower than their male counterparts.