Conceptual Models for Why or How Women and Minorities Choose Technical Fields

1. Conceptual Models for Why or How Women and Minorities Choose Technical Fields

2. Koch’s Idea for Why Students Choose Major STUDENT- FOCUSED PROGRAM Caring Faculty Strong student organizations Family like culture Communication of opportunities Employer interactions Recognition/prestige SATISFIED MAJORS PEER TO PEER MARKETING/MENTORING DECISION TO MAJOR IN IS

3. Koch 2nd Idea for Why Students Choose Major (based on Diya Fu interview) Know more about IS major through other resources Information gathered matches Career Aspiration Know about IS major Key Person or Event Compare with other major Choose IS major

4. Link’s Idea for Why Students Choose Major People who have a detailed-oriented mindset with a people focus STUDENT- FOCUSED PROGRAM -Department that builds cohesiveness among students -Caring and informative faculty -Social events for freshmen and events to highlight importance of MIS degree -Strong employer interactions and high percentage of majors with internships and job offers before graduating Influential meetings/discussions with professors Mentoring of students through graduation Decision to major in IS

5. Posey’s Idea for Why Students Choose MIS Attend and event as underclassmen and are mentored by upperclassmen STUDENT- FOCUSED PROGRAM Professors Classes: Leadership Class Opportunities: Company Events Recognition/prestige Inclusiveness: shirts, events, etc Realize majors and staff are involved in major: considering Have issues/interests in a class, meet with professor See company interaction first hand and see majors with jobs and internships Choose MIS asMajor

6. Collier’s Idea for Why Students Choose MIS Student sees how involved MIS professors are and how concerned they are about preparing students for success Student obtains information about MIS from professor, friends, or family Student is unsure about the major but is very interested in the high salary and successful job placement Student sees real life examples from IT professionals of exciting opportunities in the field Student is intrigued by integration of business and technology Student seeks guidance from family, friend, or educator about decision to major in MIS Student chooses MIS as major

7. Cisneroz’s Ideas for Students Choose MIS

8. Haywood’s Idea for Why Students Choose MIS Student takes introductory course into Major Students chooses Major Students speak with Professors Peers & Family influence the student’s decision

9. Tye’sIdea for Why Students Choose MIS Students enter college with a passion for technology (whether realized or not) and enjoy problem solving and thinking analytically. Student has a good experience in their first MIS class. The professor is encouraging and dedicates time in one class to speak about the major in detail Friends and Family influence decision. They tell the student about opportunities and salary Student gathers information on which major to choose Student has a mentor. Most often this is a Professor who takes the time to talk to the student one-on-one. This can also be a current MIS major or person in the IT field. Students chooses Major Student attends MIS events. This gives the student an opportunity to learn more, see what companies are there, and get a sense of the students (family feel/ friendly)