Authors:
Sunny Miranda
;
Maria José Marcelino
and
Paula Alexandra Silva
Affiliation:
University of Coimbra, CISUC/LASI, DEI, Coimbra, Portugal
Keyword(s):
IT Course Choice, IT Major, Career, Social Cognitive Career Theory, Gender Differences.
Abstract:
This study investigates what influences students to choose IT-related courses, focusing on gender differences within the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) framework. Gender disparities in IT are a significant problem in most European countries despite the growing demand for qualified professionals. In 2023, only 20% of employed ICT specialists in Portugal were women. Attracting and retaining female students in IT programs remains a challenge. Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors motivate students to pursue IT courses. SCCT identifies prior experience, social support, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations as critical influences on higher education and career selection. This study surveyed how these factors affect IT course choices, considering gender differences. It involved 56 Portuguese IT-related students from two higher education institutions in 2023. Using thematic analysis, we examined twenty open-ended questions to identify the reasons behind choosing IT. The results show
ed that previous programming experience, exposure to IT/computer, personal interest and positive job prospects significantly influenced decisions, while support from parents, friends and teachers was less impactful. The study suggests that educators and policymakers should intensify computing activities for school students, especially girls, to foster interest and attract them to IT careers, enriching the sector with diverse perspectives and talents.
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