Shaping a Tool for Developing Computing Students’ Professional Identity - Industry Perspectives

Obtaining employment is a major aim for many students completing a computing degree. However, students often fail to develop a comprehensive plan to achieve this goal as they have insufficient awareness of what is required to become a professional. In addition, computing degrees and curriculum generally focus on the necessary computing knowledge and skills, often ignoring development around identity, belonging to a community of practice, and connecting with professional role models - components necessary to build a viable professional identity. This paper explores ideas on how to broaden the perspective of students undertaking computing degrees, helping them understand the broader picture of their education, beyond coursework units, that is needed to ensure their successful transition to industry. Literature on professional identity is used to inform the initial design concepts for a tool, DreamBig, that aims to support the development of an emerging professional identity for students undertaking computing degrees. A focus group with industry representatives was used to test the concept. Findings of this study highlight the value of this initiative and indicate the importance of a big picture, holistic view of professional development with a particular focus on the social dimension for computing students and graduates.