Sir Richard Branson
With the iPhone 5 launch fresh off the press, research from Hotels.com reveals that more Brits are dreaming of a career in technology than entertainment. The research, which polled 2000 adults and children across the UK, revealed that 17 per cent of 8-15 year olds aspire to follow in the footsteps of Steve Jobs and Richard Branson, well ahead of entertainment and political leaders like Simon Cowell (nine per cent) and Barack Obama (four percent).
The research also shows that two in five children would like to have a career in technology, with only half as many wanting to pursue a career in entertainment.
A career in technology can open many doors – not only can you work on a diverse range of projects, but it also gives you the opportunity to work on a global scale and have a real impact on society
The results are mimicked by adults, as 24 per cent of people are more envious of Steve Jobs’ career than Beyonce’s. Technology is not just having an impact on our professional lives, but Brits are now increasingly looking for technology skills in a long-term partner.
More adults see computer programmers as a more attractive other half than a pilot or actor, with a ‘stable career’ (31 per cent) and ‘intellect’ (30 per cent) voted the two most important attributes in a long-term relationship.
As younger generations grow up with technology as part of their everyday lives, gadget inventor now makes the top four list of most wanted children’s careers (nine per cent), ahead of the more traditional doctor (seven per cent) or pilot (four per cent). The Hotels.com research also reveals that children are seeing the possibilities that a career in technology may bring.
IT is one of the top four favourite subjects, with over a third of pupils wanting to continue studying IT and/or science at university. Almost a third of adults also believe you have to be ‘smart’ to work in tech, and 14 per cent of children feel that a career in technology means working in ‘cool’ offices.
Stuart Silberg, VP of Technology at Hotels.com, said: “In recent years, developments in the tech world such as social networking, 3D TVs, or the latest smartphone have become cool and desirable by the mainstream, hitting headlines and sparking discussions in the playground or by the water cooler.
"This research shows the impact of these changes, as the ‘typical celebrity’ aspirations are being overtaken by pioneers such as Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs.
“Gadgets have inspired future generations who want to design the next cool phone or website. A career in technology can open many doors – not only can you work on a diverse range of projects, but it also gives you the opportunity to work on a global scale and have a real impact on society. That’s why many companies are investing in mobile technologies and technologists around the world," he said.
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