What do IT students really want?

New research based upon the findings of the Guardian UK300 has revealed that IT students in the UK most want to work for Google, Apple, Microsoft, IBM or Intel in that order. Failing that, then they would like to end up working with MI6 (the Secret Intelligence Service), MI5 (the Security Service) or at GCHQ (the Government Communications Headquarters).

The Guardian UK 300 itself is compiled from one of the biggest ever student surveys of UK employers, and in that survey the students were asked both which career sectors interest them the most and who they wanted to work for within those sectors. Based upon the trendence Graduate Barometer survey of around 16,000 students, it qualifies as the most representative survey of its kind. Further research by trendence has revealed that IT students in particular have a lot to be happy about. They are:

• The most optimistic when it comes to future careers, with 'only' 49% being worried about the future compared to 66% of law students and 59% of engineering students for example.

• The least likely to look for work abroad, with only 13% considering this as an option after graduating.

• The most keen to get straight into the workplace, with just 5% planning a gap year compared to 23% of law students and 13% of engineering students.

• The least likely to work long hours, with 42 hours being the average expected weekly shift compared to 44 hours for engineering students and 52 hours for law students.

• The least likely to work for free, with just 37% saying they would do so to gain a good internship compared to 42% of engineering students and 51% of law students.

If you are an IT student at the moment, how do these findings gel with your aspirations? Any ring of truth in them or do you disagree totally? If you have long since graduated, how did the reality turn out? Join the DaniWeb conversation by letting us know using the comment box below.

[|-|x]

Let me preface this by saying; who wouldn't want to work at Google?

Though its been a while since I was an undergrad, I find it interesting that so few had inspiration to travel or work abroad. This was always a goal for me, and part of what influenced my career choice. Technology is one of the most portable careers, and in high demand most places. Of course it helps if you are demonstrably good at what you do.

Having said that the market is also flooded by often minimally skilled technicians/coders who work very cheaply. This I imagine supports the idea that most of us wont work for free - there are plenty of freelance or casual jobs for students or recent graduates to "get their chops", and many companies are more willing to hire and train inexperienced Techies, rather than say inexperienced lawyers. Also, you know, geeks tend to be lazy and require motivation to stop playing WoW and do some f###ing work.

As to the desire to get straight into work, I assume for most students who are following IT career paths its because they have a passion for technology of one sort or another. This was/is true for many of my friends and I. Yes, we are the geeks, and proud. Personally, I was also broke by the time I graduated and desperately needed to get onto a steady paycheque. That may have had something to do with it too.

[devil jin]

Hi man...i am a IT graduate also in the Philippines..yeah your right i think most of the IT people here in our country has a desire to work in Google...Is it Possible?haha and Thanks

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[Sky Diploma]

I remember the time 3 years ago where in I was facing the option of choosing what is a secure skill set (Accounting) in India or doing a degree in Computer Science (Undergraduate). With the recession coming in and some IT companies going into Severe losses.

It took a while for me to figure it out. But at the end I have decided to go in and follow my heart. So I took Computer Science .Now I've been recruited by Google (Google India to be specific) .

So I guess everyone are a bit nervous about the future.. And sometimes nervousness is good :). It makes you work harder.

When it comes to the question about working abroad. I think that the Geographic Diversity is a reason for those results. Guess it would be different if the survey was conducted in different areas or countries.

Then I would completely agree with Hearth's reply on the "straight to work" phenomenon .

[abigel02]

hello...i think most of the IT students wants to be experts in IT sector...and they try to achieve it by updating ourself with enhanced knowledge in this field...

[sphe_g]

I agree with Sky Diploma on the Geographic Diversity part. South Africa does have an IT industry, but the allure of working abroad is strong. It's also great to see what's out there, particularly IT business hubs such as Silicon Valley. No doubt, I wanna be able to use my experiences to give back to my country one day, possibly starting a business and help reduce our unemployment rate

[PrimeOutsourcin]

IT graduates are getting in demand. We need fresh grads to keep in touch with the new trends in technology.

[shilpa02]

They want a good and competable job..

[Mepooooo]

Off,almost every answer is ''I want to work for Google''.

[Seten]

The percentage is not really a factor of how good the IT is. IT has only one disadvantage. After some time in the field, the person cannot stay ahead with the new technology. Sadly the way how fast the IT change, the only option for me(30 year old) is to get into IT leadership position, to lead young generation of active IT people in some company.
IT is like a modificable child. Men like to play with things. So they upgrade the "child" and play with it. That is why young people start to modify games and applications, as it is their precious thing and they can show the results immediatelly to others. It is easy for them, due to Internet so they enjoy the satisfaction and go to IT schools/industry.