Ability to communicate trumps technical skills, say IT students

Research suggests IT-savviness is not highly prized

Just over half (51 per cent) of IT students believe that technical IT skills are the least important skills for a career in IT, according to a survey of Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) degree students.

Meanwhile, 45 per cent of students believe that the most valuable skills they will need for a career in IT are communication skills.

The findings come from research conducted at an e-Skills event held at CA Technologies' UK headquarters that polled 81 students from eight universities across Britain.

The survey also found that the most popular destinations for ITMB graduates is employment with an IT supplier (34 per cent) or within retail (21 per cent).