LinkedIn as a Tool for Tracking IT Graduates

Virtual Brief Paper ID: 55088
  1. aaa
    Glenda Barlow-Jones
    University of Johannesburg
  2. Patrick Ndayizigamiye
    University of Johannesburg
  3. Roelien Brink
    University of Johannesburg
  4. Stella Bvuma
    University of Johannesburg
  5. Rehana Minty
    University of Johannesburg
  6. Siyabonga Mhlongo
    University of Johannesburg

Abstract: LinkedIn is a popular tool used by employees to market as well as network their careers. It can also serve higher education institutions (HEI’s), as data pertaining to graduate students’ careers can be gathered, to track the extent to which graduates are making use of their skills obtained at a HEI. The aim of this research was to determine the skill set of the National Diploma Business Information Technology (ND BIT) graduates from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in South Africa and their current employment status. In addition, this research aimed to determine the types of companies that employed them. Data was collected from LinkedIn profiles of 275 ND BIT graduates from the University of Johannesburg and analysed using quantitative data analysis techniques. Findings reveal that most of the ND BIT graduates are employed in the IT sector, business sector and utility sector. In addition, most of the ND BIT graduates hold business systems analyst, IT support and IT software positions. This paper highlights that LinkedIn is a good source of information that could be used to track graduates. The findings could be used as the basis for further engagements between HEIs and employers to ensure that graduates have adequate skills required in industry.

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