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1Prospects of Creative Work Boost Interest in IT Careers Among Teens
An increasing percentage of teenagers are considering a career in IT, according to a recent survey from CompTIA. In fact, nearly all of the young survey respondents said they either “love” or “like” tech, and that they even troubleshoot IT issues for their family members and friends. If they end up actually pursuing tech as a vocation, the majority of survey respondents indicated that they expect to be paid well. But most are also seeking opportunities to be creative while tackling interesting work assignments. In addition, they would like to leverage IT to “help people.” More than 1,000 U.S. teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 took part in the research. This slide show presents highlights of the survey, with charts provided courtesy of CompTIA.
2Most Teens View IT as Viable Career Choice
3Enthusiasm for Tech Remains High
4First-Hand Associations With Industry Pros Lacking Among Teens
5Video Game and App Design Cited as Popular Tech Job Niches
6Compensation and Creativity Lead Tech Career Advantages
7Rewarding Outcomes Sought via IT Vocations
8Isolation and Lack of Needed Skills Could Derail Ambitions
Concerns about “working alone sitting in front of a computer all day” were expressed by 43 percent of survey respondents, when asked about their negative impressions of IT as an occupation. About one-third also voiced reservations about the perceived need to be good at math and science, along with the potential to struggle with “difficult, complicated work.”
9Computer, Software Skills Emerge as Priorities
10Teens Take Advantage of Abundance of IT Career Advice Options
11Automation Looms Large as Job Security Concern
More than one-half of survey respondents said they are concerned about losing a job in the future due to automation. Only three of 10 teenage girls surveyed and 35 percent of boys said they are not concerned about this.