MIT’s Faculty of Business and Information Technology

25 March 2013

Introducing MIT’s Faculty of Business and Information Technology

Manukau Institute of Technology’s Faculty of Business is renaming itself to suit the times.

Now known as the Faculty of Business and Information Technology, the change is in recognition of the growing importance of IT.

Faculty Dean John Wadsworth says information technology is a high demand industry with excellent employment opportunities for students graduating in this field. It is also now integral to all aspects of business.

MIT works closely with industry, tailoring qualifications to suit their needs, and Mr Wadsworth says the feedback from many organisations is it is difficult to hire adequate numbers of qualified IT staff.

Currently there are around 2,300 businesses in the IT sector employing around 46,000 people. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment says employment grew by 25% from 2005 to 2010, and demand is expected to stay high as the importance of computers, networks, the internet and mobile communications continues to grow.

Some economists predict employment in the sector needs to double by 2017, and a 2009 survey of IT employers found that about half were having trouble recruiting experienced technical staff. Employers currently rely heavily on overseas applicants to fill some of the jobs in highest demand.

The faculty name change, tailored qualifications in IT, and strong industry partnerships are part of MIT’s overall strategy to ensure New Zealand keeps up with the demand for individuals with IT skills at every level.

MIT and the New Zealand Information and Communications Technology Group (NZICT) signed a formal agreement to address workforce needs last year.

NZICT CEO Candace Kinser says the rebranded Faculty of Business and Information Technology demonstrates the fact IT and business are intertwined and shows that MIT is taking a leadership role in preparing employment-ready graduates that will be in high demand by employers.

“The reality is that to be a successful business in any industry, a solid ability to use technology for marketing, managing customers, financial management and automation of processes is necessary. Weaving business disciplines with IT know-how creates empowerment for a company to succeed locally and offshore.”

ENDS

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