Stereotypical Descriptions of Computer Science Careers Are Not Representative of Most Computer Scientists

Using data from a large self-initiated online survey, we find that the career interests of many current and aspiring computer scientists diverge from the official profile of computer scientists established and promoted by the U.S. government – specifically that from the Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET). Five distinct profiles of career interests emerged from the data. Latent profile analysis suggests that many women in the profession value social and artistic expression in a way not currently recognized by official representations of computer scientists’ interests. Better admitting to a more nuanced and comprehensive picture of those interests has important implications for career guidance and workforce development and might help to address women’s underrepresentation in this STEM discipline.