Information systems program graduates: A qualitative case study of graduates' preparation and job needs

This study examined the academic preparation and job skill needs of information systems program graduates from institutions in an Eastern state, from their perspective. A historical review of the literature surrounding IS skill requirements was conducted for this study to provide the changes in IS over the past several decades. Providing a historical look at the literature will place into perspective the fact that the field changes rapidly, causing the need for the IS professional to also continuously change. The study employed a nonexperimental, qualitative research design to allow a descriptive interpretation of the views of recent IS graduates. Such an investigation provides insight into the effectiveness of undergraduate programs and identifies areas for collaboration and improvement in the development of IS graduates for the work force. The results of the study revealed that a consensus exists regarding the perceptions of the skills needed for the IS worker. However, graduates are concerned about how these skills are being delivered in order to develop competent IS professionals for the work force.