While tech careers can be highly rewarding, they can also be demanding and challenging to break into initially. The new ISACA Tech Workplace and Culture survey of 7,726 technology professionals around the world explores career satisfaction, pay, levels of authority, mentorship, retention factors and more, including similarities and differences by gender and age group.
ISACA’s research found that the top challenges when pursuing an IT career are the need for more technical knowledge (35%), changing technology, tools and best practices (31%), and specialized skills required for specific IT areas (30%).
Additionally, most survey respondents shared they experience work-related stress. The top stressors include:
- Heavy workloads (54%)
- Long hours (43%)
- Tight deadlines (41%), lack of resources (41%) and unsupportive management (41%)
ISACA’s research also found that employee retention is a common concern, with 74% of organizations saying they are concerned with attracting and retaining tech talent. In the last two years, one-third of respondents have changed jobs, with this rate being similar among males and females, but more likely for younger age groups than older.
One area that may be overlooked as a resource for advancing careers is mentorship: 63% of respondents say they would like to have a mentor, but only 22% currently have one.
“Women are more likely to have a mentor, while men are more likely to be a mentor,” says Onur Korucu, Managing Partner, GovernID. “Workers of all ages, genders and industries should do both—have a mentor and be a mentor. Sharing knowledge, learning experiences, certification training and job opportunities help everyone.”
ISACA’s Tech Workplace and Culture survey can be accessed at www.isaca.org/tech-workplace-and-culture. For more resources from ISACA, visit https://www.isaca.org/resources.