AN ANALYSIS OF SKILLS REQUIRED OF GRADUATES OF AN INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROGRAM

The study involves an analysis of the requirements of information systems graduates based on the status of the job market as well as the perceptions of 222 graduates over a six year period from an information systems program of a Midwestern university. Approximately one-third of the graduates were working in positions related to technical support. Providing end-user support, installing software, managing information, and installing and maintaining computer devices/components were the top four tasks performed by the largest number of graduates. Research indicates that employers are looking not only for technical skills but also strong soft skills as competition increases at home and abroad. From a list of 18 technical and nontechnical skills, the graduates ranked thinking skills, personal characteristics, desire to learn, attitude and motivation, teamwork, and communication skills as the top requirements for success in the information technology field. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]