Abstract: Identifying success criteria for computer programmers can help improve training and development programs in academic and industrial settings. In the present research, we interviewed college faculty members and obtained a list of success criteria for both individual and group programming settings. Then, faculty and industry members rated the importance of these characteristics in each setting. The two settings showed both common and unique success criteria. Shared criteria included being creative and conscientious and enjoying problem solving. Important characteristics found for programming alone included cognitive and technical skills and being introverted. Important characteristics for programming in a group included interpersonal cooperation skills and personal maturity. Faculty and industry agreed on what constituted importance characteristics in both settings. Implications for programmer training and selection are discussed.

Keywords: Programmer success criteria, Personality, Critical thinking, Student learning

Download this article: JISE - Volume 14 Number 4, Page 417.pdf

Recommended Citation: Sterling, G. D. & Brinthaupt, T. M. (2003). Faculty and Industry Conceptions of Successful Computer Programmers. Journal of Information Systems Education, 14(4), 417-424.