Social Differences Between Information Systems Students and Non-Information Systems Students at North West University (Mafikeng Campus)

This study aims to investigate the social differences between IS and non IS students at NWU, Mafikeng Campus. It explores the knowledge about IS by determining the level of computer knowledge and interaction, and other facts. These items influence students´ choices between taking IS as a field of study. By assumption, students must have acquired computer knowledge and skills as they pursue their career. The problem is that non IS students are not knowledgeable of computer hardware and software and would struggle. A quantitative research approach was used for this study. The findings from this study depicted that factors influencing students choice from not taking or going into IS/IT field of study were related to higher salary and lower level of computer literacy. Students are not informed of an IS career due to the lack of career orientation. The IS department should provide marketing strategies to increase IS career awareness.