Empirically Assessing Students' Perceptions of the Importance of Student Characteristic

Authors

William M. Baker, Appalachian State Unviersity
Albert L. Harris, Appalachian State Unviersity

Abstract

After at least four years of college, do students seeking entry-Ievel IS employment realize that employers consider many variables when making the hiring decision? Many employers look at GPA, but other variables, such as the business skills, ability to work with others, energy, drive, and enthusiasm, and analytical skills, are also important. This study empirically assesses students' perceptions of the importance of seven student characteristics in the hiring process. Subjects included 51 undergraduate and 28 graduate students. The methodology employs analysis that facilitates the examination of all seven characteristics simultaneously. Results show that the two most important variables were communication skills and the ability to work with others. While all seven variables were important, students perceived GPA to be the least important of the seven. Demographic variables such as gender and major had no effect on the results.

Recommended Citation

Baker, William M. and Harris, Albert L. (2000) "Empirically Assessing Students' Perceptions of the Importance of Student Characteristic," Journal of Information Systems Education: Vol. 11 : Iss. 1 , 41-46.
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jise/vol11/iss1/6