Challenges Related to Students: Prospective Students
Incorrect perceptions regarding the nature of computer science
Computer science is NOT surfing the Web
Computer science is NOT hacking
Computer science is NOT playing video games
Relatively little work in industry involves professionals working in
isolation
Role of video games
The Interactive Digital Software Association reported that "2001
sales of computer and video games grew 7.9 percent year-on-year to $6.35
billion, ... " (http://www.idsa.com/2001SalesData.html)
According to Reuters, the Information Technology Association of America
reported that overall sales in the IT industry in 2001 grew less than 1
percent to $813 billion. (http://www.ciol.com/content/news/repts/102050603.asp)
Putting these numbers together, computer and video games made up
0.78% of total IT sales for the year 2001.
Skills in highest demand for technical jobs in industry
In recent years, professionals from industry served on 10 panels in Iowa,
Ohio, and Texas. Each panel discussed the background and skills needed for
success in the computing industry. In every case, two skills were
identified as most important for those interested in computing careers
(although panelists disagreed as to which was first and which second)
Communication skills
Ability to work in groups
created November 11, 2002 last revised November 13, 2002
