Aussie Teens: Dreaming of a career in IT

James Riley
Friday, 24 July 2009 12:37

IT Industry - Market

Australian teenagers are more interested in getting careers in IT or as technology professionals than they are in becoming actors, musicians or graphic designers, according to survey released by the Australian Computer Society.

It hardly seems possible, but after decades firmly planted at the ‘Nerd’ end of the teenager spectrum, the IT sector may be about to lose its Geek tag.

In shift from the stereotyped image of an tech professional, only five per cent thought a career in technology was ‘geeky’ or ‘boring’ – with almost a third of teens surveyed citing innovation as the primary characteristic of an IT career.

The findings, released as part of the ACS-sponsored National ICT Careers Week, put a career in IT in the number one position, followed by designer (graphic or interior), musician, actor, teacher, doctor and fashion designer.

More than 20 per cent of the so-called Generation Z – defined as current teenagers – thought a technology career would be cool, while 15 per cent associated technology with a career than earned a lot of money.

ACS chairman Kumar Parakala said brands associated with ‘cool’ innovations like Google, Apple and Nintendo had assisted the shift in teenager’s attitude.

“It’s great to see that this next generation of teenagers – female and male – seem to understand the breadth of the opportunity on offer within our industry,” Mr Parakala said. “We were particularly encouraged to see the association between innovation and a career in technology come through in the findings,” he said.

The national online survey of 1,820 Australian and New Zealanders aged 12 to 18 was conducted by teen research specialist Habbo, the most visited online networking site for Aussie teens.

“The results demonstrate that Generation Z are career-minded and that technology and innovation are high on their agenda when it comes to decisions about their future,” Hbbo Asia Pacific regional director Jeff Brookes said.