An Exploratory Study on how Double Majors, MIS Internship, and GPA Influence Job Opportunity

摘要

About two years ago, most MIS majors had multiple job offers, even before their graduation. Now, due to the current economic downturn, some MIS graduates don't find a job six months or even one year after their graduation. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey of 230 companies, 2002 has been a difficult year for college graduates seeking employment (Hames, 2002), and many firms are slashing their entry-level hires by 20% this year compared with 2001 (Dash, 2002). In this slow economy, employers are selectively choosing their campus recruits - including entry-level IT applicants. Many MIS departments are reviewing and revising their curricula in order to equip their graduates with the most marketable knowledge and skills for future job markets. Educational policy makers need to understand the key factors influencing the placement of their graduates. They need to know how their majors can increase their chances of placement in a very competitive job market. Some potential factors include taking a double major, receiving a high GPA or doing an internship. Traditionally, GPA has been considered to be the single most important factor influencing a graduate's job hunting success (Hames, 2002). As business environments have changed substantially in the last decade, industries don't look for graduates who have only perfect GPA scores. MIS curricula have also changed with more options being available to the students including the ability to take a double major or an internship, which can be important vehicles for securing a job after graduation. However, there is relatively little empirical research in the MIS research literature that can determine if these factors really have an impact on placement. This research intends to explore the affect these factors have on placement. A survey instrument was used to collect data in order to evaluate the importance of double majors, GPA and internships on the placement of MIS graduates.