Student and manager perspectives on the graduate attributes of Information Technology (IT) students after Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)

Abstract

– Graduate attributes of IT students during a WIL activity in Systems Analysis and Design and Business Management modules were investigated. The graduate attributes considered in the study were communication, teamwork, analysing and investigating, initiative or self-motivation, planning and organising, time management, conflict resolution, self-awareness (e.g. reflective thinking, self-discipline, flexibility, dedication), integrity and stress tolerance. The purpose of an overarching project that started in 2010 at North-West University (NWU) was to enhance the work-readiness and soft skills of IT students by doing practical work in industry. The purpose of the paper is to compare the perspectives on the graduate attributes of students. Both the perspectives of students and managers or employers of companies where students worked during the WIL activity, were investigated. In addition, the paper presents the relationship between students’ perspectives regarding graduate attributes and module marks. Specific experiences of students including skills learnt and personal aspects that need change are presented in the paper. Electronic questionnaires were used to gather data from managers and students after the WIL activities. Results during 2017 and 2018 revealed that the perspectives of managers regarding the graduate attributes communication, initiative or self-motivation, planning and organising, time management and integrity were more positive than the perspectives of students.