IT companies heavily courting CS grads

By Louise Arnheim

As the 1996-97 academic year comes to a close, the job outlook for computer science graduates remains bright. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer science is among the top 10 occupations experiencing faster-than-average job growth, and it will continue to do so beyond the year 2000. Not only is the demand for such expertise high, but the natural churn of the job market (such as current workers moving into management or retiring) will result in "tens of thousands" of positions opening up each year.

But as they consider job offers from employers nationwide, computer science graduates may find themselves heavily courted by companies with a particular need: information technology. According to a new report by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), 190,000 IT jobs nationwide remain unfilled, and demand is increasing.

At the request of its 11,000 direct member and affiliate member companies, ITAA conducted a survey of 2,000 large and midsize IT and non-IT companies. The survey's findings, listings of other recent reports and anecdotal evidence of the IT shortage are included in the 51-page report, Help Wanted: The IT Workforce Gap at the Dawn of a Century. Concerned that US competitiveness in IT is at stake, ITAA focused the report on training, recruitment and education of current and future IT workers at both IT and non-IT companies.

ITAA defines IT as "the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware." According to ITAA, the 190,000 (weighted) estimate is on the low side because its survey did not include federal, state or local governments; nonprofits; and smaller companies. To make up for the existing shortfall, companies are spending ample sums to recruit new employees, often luring them away from rival firms. For example, IT companies that had more than 100 vacancies expended more than $750,000 annually in recruiting more employees, ITAA says.

Such recruitment efforts essentially capitalize upon the training and investment made by rival companies. "Hiring away individuals by other firms does nothing to expand the pool of potential workers but merely shifts such individuals around in the marketplace," the report said.

Additionally, training and recruitment will not be sufficient to meet future needs, ITAA says. More than 80% of IT companies surveyed for the report anticipated their need to hire new employees would increase. "Education will be a key facet of any solution to this problem," the report said.

Undergrad interest waning

However, as demand for computer science and related degrees is rising, fewer students are electing to pursue such degrees. ITAA points out that between 1986 and 1994, the number of undergraduate degrees in computer science dropped 43%-from 42,195 to 24,200. Further, ITAA reports that interest among the next generation of college students may be waning. As evidence, ITAA refers to a study of 4 million high school sophomores. Of the 750,000 who considered pursuing science or engineering degrees, only 200,000 eventually graduated with a bachelor's degree in either area.

Many colleges and universities encourage high school student interest in computer science and engineering. For example, George Washington University hosts two events for this area: the Junior Engineering Technical Society Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science; and the National Engineering Design Challenge.

To learn more about current student enrollment and interest, Computing Research News spoke with deans at two Washington, DC-area universities. At the University of Maryland at College Park, the number of students pursuing bachelor's degrees in computer science has more than tripled over the past seven years. In 1990, there were 412 declared computer science majors. Today there are 1,400.

"We, at UMCP, are set on increasing by 50% over the next four years the number of graduates in IT-intensive areas," said Richard Herman, dean of the College of Computer, Mathematical and Physical Sciences. "This will affect computer science, electrical engineering and information management systems graduates in the College of Business."

But encouraging more students to enter computer science and related fields is only one part of the problem, ITAA says; there also is a need to ensure that students are learning the right skills. ITAA member companies report a need to develop extensive training programs that essentially compensate for what they believe is not being taught in school.

"The evidence is clear that the problem is both real and serious, leading to at least one overarching conclusion: American schools and universities are not producing a sufficient number of students skilled in information technology to meet the needs of US companies," the report said. "This sets a challenge for those who believe technology and growth can increase prosperity."

Industry expectations

Is higher education out of sync with what the real world wants? That particular characterization, said Herman, "is a bit strong, but not far off the mark."

Herman illustrated by telling the story of a local employer who is very impressed with Maryland graduates and hires them "by the carload." To ensure the best preparation possible for future graduates, Herman asked the employer what additional skills or experience might be needed. The employer referred to an ability to work on a piece of a long-term project and integrate it with other pieces.

Consequently, Herman said, Maryland is developing a Corporate Scholars Program that will provide students with internships "more fully woven into the academic experience." New courses based on private-sector needs are now being developed, and outside expertise is being brought in to work on prototypical problems. But, Herman pointed out, there must be a "liaison from the other side, and the private sector has shown in 'word and deed' considerable enthusiasm for a closer partnership along these lines."

Involving corporations

In a similar manner, Thomas Mazzuchi, interim dean at George Washington University's School of Engineering and Applied Science, encourages the private sector to become more involved in higher education-to help shape curriculum and provide internship opportunities.

Corporations have been "generous" in donating funds, Mazzuchi said, but direct involvement is needed. (In the ITAA survey, 28% of IT company respondents donated money to higher education; 40% of those making donations designated the funds be spent to improve IT curriculum.) "If companies can suggest curriculum structure to meet their needs," he said, "I don't know of any university that would ignore such suggestions." GWU's School of Engineering works with an advisory panel of local industry representatives who provide such guidance.

Undergraduate students at George Washington can participate in a co-op program that enables them to gain real world experience. At the master's level, graduates can opt to take project-oriented courses and work with area companies in lieu of writing a thesis.

"The breakdown in communication between industry and education should be a concern for everyone," Mazzuchi said. When companies have to invest money training workers because of this breakdown, it results in lost productivity to the nation as a whole.

How is future demand likely to shape up? To meet the growing demand for IT skills and expertise, must every declared computer science major seek a Ph.D.? Herman said the importance of master's level graduates is now being recognized. There is also a greater need for bachelor's degrees, he said.

There is "an immediate need for basic infrastructure people (i.e., those who set up and monitor networks)," Mazzuchi said. As those needs are being filled, R&D will continue to grow, and Ph.D.s will continue to be in demand, he said. Mazzuchi plans to use the ITAA report as a recruitment tool for faculty and students. Electronic copies of the ITAA report are available by sending an e-mail message to acallahan@itaa.org; specify "IT Workforce Study" in the subject field. Or call Shannon Bickford at 703-284-5342.