IT specialists’ training in the age of digital transformation: analysis of student needs

In the age of digital transformation and rapid development of information technologies, training of highly qualified IT specialists is becoming a key factor in the competitiveness of companies and the economy. However, there are significant gaps between the requirements of employers and the level of training of university graduates, between the professional needs of students and the content of educational programs. These gaps emphasize the need for changes in educational approaches depending on the student needs revealed. The research aims to explore the student needs related to their professional development. The article presents the results of a study on the needs of IT students, the alignment of the educational process with the identified requirements, and recommendations for improving the quality of IT specialist training. A survey was conducted among students in IT-related fields at South Ural State University (n = 457) using methods of descriptive statistics, comparative analysis, and content analysis. The authors identified the trends in student needs, professional aspirations, and patterns in preferences for different forms of interaction with employers. The literature analysis allowed the authors to describe best pedagogical practices in IT specialist training that revealed issues that hinder the fulfillment of student needs in the educational process. The study enabled to develop a set of recommendations for improving IT specialist training, including increasing the practical component of the educational process, integrating employers into educational activities, and expanding career guidance programs. The research methodology was tested at South Ural State University and can be used to enhance graduates' competitiveness in the job market.