Diverse Conversations: We Need More Diversity in Information Technology

The demand for information technology workers is growing, and the available supply isn’t keeping pace. With the retirement of the baby boomer generation in full swing, worker shortages are only going to be more apparent in the year to come. In addition, if the information technology field cannot attract a more diverse population, the field is going to suffer.

Tech companies are generally not known for diversity. The IT workforce is predominantly White or Asian males. Even though many companies announce diversity initiatives on a regular basis, they can only hire from the worker pool that is available. In addition, that pool is created based on their choices in higher education.

Minorities in computer science

In 2013, a study showed that, out of all of the bachelor’s degrees awarded in computer science through 179 prestigious universities, 4.5 percent were awarded to Black students, and 6.5 percent went to Hispanic students. However, the U.S. Census Bureau showed that the population was 12.6 percent Black and 16.3 percent Hispanic as of 2010.

This suggests that minority students aren’t being attracted into the computer science field. Couple this with the low number of Black and Hispanic students participating in the AP Computer Science exam in high school and that fact becomes more apparent.

Since Black and Hispanic students are underrepresented in technology-oriented education, they will be underrepresented in the information technology workforce as well. In addition, this issue is compounded by negative impressions many minorities have regarding the culture at many tech companies.

Minority hiring at tech companies