Back
close
Studying Overview
Research Overview
Executive Education Overview
News Overview
University Overview
Back

Research - 04.05.2026 - 14:00 

The way IT careers are portrayed influences girls’ career choices

IT careers are still seen as promising, though they tend to appeal mainly to boys and men. Particularly in the fields of cyber security, AI development, network maintenance and support, there is still a high demand for skilled workers, even as AI puts pressure on traditional programming jobs. How can we get more girls and young women excited about a career in computer science? A new study by the University of St.Gallen shows that it is not only the requirements of a profession that matter – but also how it is presented.

The need for digital skills is growing steadily and a shortage of skilled workers is expected in the long term. Nevertheless, comparatively few women choose a career in computer science. How can this be changed? 

HSG researchers Dr Scherwin Bajka and Prof. Dr Patrick Emmenegger investigated this question as part of a large-scale survey of around 2,500 Year 8 pupils from the cantons of St.Gallen and Lucerne. The results show that to attract more girls to careers in IT, it is not enough simply to boost their self-assessment of technical skills. It is equally important to critically examine existing career profiles and present them in a more realistic light. 

Not social enough: Girls often find existing portrayals of IT careers boring 

The study shows that girls are less likely than boys to associate IT careers with social and interactive aspects. Whilst boys perceive IT as both technically challenging and socially interactive, girls often view these careers as purely technically challenging. Yet everyday working life in IT certainly involves social and interactive aspects, ranging from teamwork to customer contact. However, these aspects are rarely clearly highlighted in career descriptions.

“A more realistic and socially balanced portrayal of IT careers can help attract more girls to these fields.”
Dr. Scherwin Bajka, GOVPET Leading House at the University of St.Gallen

IT is often perceived by young women as being strongly technical in nature.

Collaborative work at the screen: The IT profession is perceived as particularly attractive when teamwork is involved.

Collaborative work at the screen: IT careers are perceived as particularly attractive for women when teamwork is highlighted.

To test the impact of alternative portrayals, the researchers used career information videos. One group watched a traditional, technically focused video, whilst a second group was shown a version with a stronger emphasis on social aspects. 

The results are clear: 

  • When IT careers are portrayed with a focus on teamwork and collaboration, girls’ interest increases significantly. 
  • Among boys, interest remains stable regardless of the presentation. This finding is also consistent with the results of the previous study. 

These findings show that a more realistic and socially balanced portrayal of IT careers can specifically help attract more girls to these paths without deterring boys or distorting the professional image. 

The study thus makes it clear that gender differences in career choice are not based solely on individual preferences. They also arise from perceptions and portrayals of professional requirements and can be changed. 

“Our perceptions of professions are not always accurate. IT professions are far more creative, interactive and team-oriented than is often assumed.”
Prof. Dr. Patrick Emmenegger, GOVPET Leading House at the University of St.Gallen

Recommendations for policy and practice 

Career guidance in the field of computer science should place greater emphasis on the social aspects of technical professions and dispel stereotypical notions at an early stage. Even simple measures, such as short videos or adapted job descriptions, can have measurable effects on career choices. 


The study “How to reduce the IT gender gap in occupational preferences?” by Prof. Dr. Patrick Emmenegger and Dr. Scherwin Bajka is available to download online.

north