Students' perceptions and misconceptions of a career in IS

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook (2000-01 Edition), computer systems analysts are expected to be "the fastest growing occupation through 2008." However, predictions are that there will be over one million IT jobs that will go unfilled. Why the shortage? This study reports the results of a survey conducted during 2000 which was mailed to 1508 Kansas high school students asking their perception as to what a career in IT entails. Over 60% of the respondents cited their lack of knowledge about IS/IT. Offering more "fun" programming courses at the high school level and changing the stereotype image of an IS/IT professional could help attract quality students to the profession.