DIVERSITY AS AN ADVANTAGE: AN ANALYSIS OF CAREER COMPETENCIES FOR IT STUDENTS

Due to increasing digitization in all aspects of life, the demand for qualified software development professionals continues to increase. Students from underrepresented groups, such as first generation students from non-academic families, minorities, single parents and women represent an underutilized pool of untapped potential talent. The question arises as to which unique perspectives computer science graduates from underrepresented groups can bring to software development companies. In addition to programming skills, non-technical competencies, such as foreign language abilities, intercultural communication, creativity, conflict management, team-building and organizational skills are vital for success in diverse, international project teams. A large job market database for new graduates, developed for a consortium of universities in Bavaria, Germany, is analyzed using machine learning tools. Career competencies desired by recruiting companies are compared to potential advantages offered by computer science graduates from underrepresented groups.