Just 1 in 5 female students are considering a career in the data industry
According to a new study from Experian, only 1 in 5 women studying at a degree level are currently thinking about seeking a career in data.
According to the research which surveyed 1204 people in UK education, showed that most female students are put off as they think they don’t have the correct set of skills. With 48% suggesting that the reason for ruling this out is a lack of confidence in maths and science.
To raise awareness for the opportunities that are available to these students from all backgrounds, Experian have partnered up with The Data Inspiration Group to support its Digdata initiative, a programme of bite-sized, virtual work – experience challenges, live online career panels and classroom resources. Digdata was created for all students in secondary and tertiary education, as well as teaching staff and career leaders.
The survey showed that there’s an appetite amongst younger female students to learn more about the opportunities and careers in data. 62% of young women studying at further education level (such as A- Levels) say the curriculum should be updated so students can learn how data and maths can address some of society’s major challenges.
Many female university students also see the benefits of a career working in data. Among those definitely open to pursuing tech as a career path, 36 per cent think that such jobs may pay more, while 30 per cent say they have been inspired by someone they know working in the field.
However, education institutions and companies still clearly need to do more. Only 31 per cent of women at degree level have noticed ads for data-related roles on social media.
Rachel Duncan, Chief People Officer at Experian UK&I. said: “The world is changing rapidly, and data is at the heart of this transformation. Career paths across a wide spectrum, from fashion design to sports coaching, finance, and marketing, now require an element of data engineering expertise. Demand for ‘data professionals’ has tripled in last five years alone.”
“Despite this trend, there are still barriers to overcome and government, education institutions and businesses need to work together to develop key skills and raise awareness about how a career working with data can offer a great career path for young people, from all backgrounds.”
“The UK has an opportunity to be a world leader in data. By working on projects like Digdata we hope to be able to build confidence, enhance skills and generate more diversity in our workforce, embracing the opportunities that our digital economy presents and developing the next generation of talent.”
Rachel Keane, Founder and Chief Data Inspirer at Digdata, said: “In line with the government plan to ‘level up’ UK employment opportunities, coupled with the national shortage of data professionals, The Data Inspiration Group and the Digdata programme aims to help students upskill and develop their competency.”
“As data teams increase their roles and influence, the skills they are looking for in prospective employees go beyond numeracy. The industry needs creative problem solvers, inquisitive thinkers, and good communicators – skills that are transferable from all curriculum subjects and that are relevant to multiple industry sectors.”
“We want students from all backgrounds and academic abilities know that a career in data is a choice available to them.”
For the full article, please click below:
Just 1 in 5 female students are considering a career in the data industry – HR News
For the latest industry news, click here: https://searchdatagroup.co.uk/data-live-data-analytics-industry-news/