IT still seen as unfulfilling career - poll

Only five per cent of general population believe IT would be most fulfilling career, according to report

The IT industry has failed to "shake the stereotype" that it is an unfulfilling career, according to the latest research from Randstad Technologies.

When presented with a choice of 16 industries, only five per cent of the general population chose the IT and technology sector as the most fulfilling, the report from the recruiter found.

But according to the report, the majority of IT workers would choose their own industry as the most fulfilling in which to work.

Mike Beresford, managing director of Randstad Technologies, said: "The IT and technology sector is still to shake the stereotype of being an unfulfilling sector to work in. But workers on the inside of the profession know IT is constantly throwing up new challenges and opportunities for professionals within the trade."

One in seven, or 14 per cent, of IT workers surveyed said the IT industry was the most fulfilling to work in, which was the most popular choice.

The research also found that IT professionals believed they could last 17 years before their professional fulfilment suffered – the longest tenure of any industry.

According to the research, the largest portion of the general population (23 per cent) said a career in health or care would be the most fulfilling.