An Examination of Job Entry-Level Opportunities for Non-ICT Students in Switzerland's ICT Field to Minimize the Skills Shortage in ICT

Switzerland's ICT sector is experiencing a serious skill shortage - a significant opportunity for non-ICT students. This study investigates entry-level opportunities for non-ICT students, identifying requirements from companies and the relevance of artificial intelligence in the recruitment process.

Leibundgut, Rahel & Mögle, Samira, 2023

Art der Arbeit Bachelor Thesis
Auftraggebende digitalswitzerland
Betreuende Dozierende Perrett, Pieter Jan
Keywords ICT, skills shortage, Switzerland, career changers, non-ICT students, entry-level opportunities, artificial intelligence in recruitment
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Due to the increasingly digitalising economy, 38% of ICT jobs cannot be filled by skilled employees, causing delays, increasing costs, and decreasing economic growth. According to the literature, 58% of Switzerland's ICT workforce was considered career changers in 2021. Employers minimize their employment criteria, which initiates the possibility of filling these positions with career changers. However, challenges arise because of lacking hard skills. Furthermore, the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the recruitment process raises questions about fairness and possible biases.
This study employs a mixed-method approach, with quantitative research conducted by a survey and qualitative research conducted through interviews. Primary data was collected through a survey (personalised and open link), interviews, research on ICT entry-level options and a workshop by digitalswitzerland and Migros Gruppe. The survey sample size (n=34) was composed of human resource management employees, mostly members of digitalswitzerland, and large companies (>250 employees). The interviews involved two large companies and an AI specialist.
According to the findings, 80% of responding companies provide a wide range of entry-level jobs in the ICT sector. Large companies and a global presence lead to more rotational job options. However, some companies prefer skilled ICT students due to missing knowledge and educational costs. Soft skills such as problem-solving and adaptability and hard skills like language skills, technology knowledge, and programming language are required for non-ICT students to succeed in ICT jobs. Furthermore, the use of AI in recruiting remains low at 3%, with 30% debating companies for future deployment. Digitalswitzerland gains valuable insights into entry-level opportunities for non-ICT students, encouraging companies to acknowledge their potential and reduce the ICT skills gap. Understanding companies’ difficulties with non-ICT students supports the development of strategies to promote diversity and inclusion in the ICT sector. The identification of AI usage and its influence on the research assists in preparing for future recruiting trends. Furthermore, the findings emphasise the necessity of education and legislation in ensuring transparent and equitable AI-driven employment practices.
Studiengang: Business Administration International Management (Bachelor)
Vertraulichkeit: öffentlich
Art der Arbeit
Bachelor Thesis
Auftraggebende
digitalswitzerland, Zürich
Autorinnen und Autoren
Leibundgut, Rahel & Mögle, Samira
Betreuende Dozierende
Perrett, Pieter Jan
Publikationsjahr
2023
Sprache der Arbeit
Englisch
Vertraulichkeit
öffentlich
Studiengang
Business Administration International Management (Bachelor)
Standort Studiengang
Olten
Keywords
ICT, skills shortage, Switzerland, career changers, non-ICT students, entry-level opportunities, artificial intelligence in recruitment