10th International Congress on Information and Communication Technology

Authors - Mahle Shabalala, Nita Mennega
Abstract - This study explores the influence of parental perspectives on career decision-making among South African students, specifically focusing on Information Technology (IT) careers. In an age of rapid technological advancement, many students are steered toward career paths based on family beliefs, cultural values, and socio-economic factors, sometimes overlooking the growing opportunities within the IT sector. This research is significant because it highlights the role of IT careers in shaping personal and economic success in a digitally-driven world. Using qualitative methods, including interviews with 17 IT professionals, the study examines the factors that influence parents’ career advice to their children, such as job security, financial freedom, and the integration of AI and machine learning into various fields. The findings show that IT workers encourage their children to pursue careers with long-term job security and technological relevance, particularly in AI and machine learning. This suggests that parents’ career recommendations are deeply intertwined with the evolving demands of the workforce, with a focus on technology-driven fields. The implications of this study point to the need for greater awareness and understanding of IT career opportunities, emphasising the importance of informed decision-making for students and their families to align with future workforce needs.