It’s true that IT managers are dismayed that recent tech grads lack certain business and IT skills, but overall they agree that members of the new generation are tech-savvy, hard-working and willing to learn.
While it’s true that IT managers are dismayed that new tech grads lack certain skills, overall they agree that this new generation is tech-savvy, hard-working and willing to learn.
RELATED: Sh*t users say
Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO of CompTIA, says he hears from colleagues that the latest graduates are energetic, creative and eager to contribute.
“I’m not sure that was always the case,” he says. “Twenty years ago, there was more of a command-and-control environment. People didn’t volunteer themselves or jump into projects as much. The kids today like variety, and they have the energy, creativity and good nature that comes along with that.”
IT executives also say their latest college hires have an intuitive sense of technology — in particular, an understanding of social networking and ideas on how to apply it to enhance business performance.
“Often they have great insights as to what ought to be tried or to what might work,” says John N. Oglesby, an IT executive in Tennessee and a founding member of the Memphis chapter of the Society for Information Management. “They bring a completely new outside perspective, and that’s typically where innovation comes from.”
— Mary K. Pratt
