BIMA, the UK’s digital and tech trade body, has released the results of its Digital Day survey, following the 11th annual event in November 2022. The survey was designed to help BIMA understand students’ thought on careers within the digital industry, including how attractive the industry appears to them and the reasons for this.
BIMA also wanted to find out whether ‘Digital Day’ affected these views – and how students felt about the digital industry following Digital Day. BIMA Data Council asked over 1,200 students aged 10-17+ for their thoughts before and after Digital Day. The research helps BIMA better understand how best to appeal to the digital professionals of the future.
Key findings included that the percentage of female participants has increased year over year. Between 2018 and 2022, the percentage of girls taking part increased by +35%. Digital Day has made a greater impact on girls over boys. Before the day itself, female students seemed to think digital was about coding and only 16% were interested in a potential career in this space. Post-Digital Day, 43% said they would now consider a career in this space.
Before Digital Day, 32% of students weren’t interested in digital due to lack of knowledge and 43% of them had never talked about digital as a career with their parents. After the event, 27% of attendees felt the industry sounded fun and 9% would now discuss this career path with their parents.
The survey results show that BIMA members are continuing to wave the flag for a career in digital, with a particular focus on engaging more females to ensure they feel they have equal access to this career.
Matt Sullivan, MD at BIMA, said: “After another successful Digital Day it’s great to reflect on the results and see how students are continuing to engage with the day. Seeing how we have the ability to inspire students – in particular females – to consider a career in digital is extremely rewarding. Next year we hope to return with a bang and introduce a new initiative to engage with the students’ parents and ensure that the inspiration they gain from the day continues when they get home.”
The 11th annual BIMA Digital Day was sponsored by digital innovation leaders EPAM Systems and supported by Primark and Royal Mail, who presented real-world challenge for the students to solve using their digital skills.
