Abstract
This study examines how Japanese university students from science and arts disciplines perceive IT companies amid global digital transformation. Using a database with 63 responses from science students and 29 from arts students gathered in 2021, the research investigates the impact of educational background on students' views of the IT industry. The methodology entailed a structured questionnaire given to third-year university students, focusing on their impressions of IT companies and their career inclinations. This approach allows for a comprehensive analysis over several years, providing insights into changing student impressions. The study utilizes t-tests, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis to uncover differences between science and arts students' perspectives. Results indicate that science students, with their technical orientation, resonate more with categories like SNS, Content, and Service. This preference is attributed to their familiarity with IT terminologies and concepts. Conversely, arts students exhibit a broader understanding, linking IT companies to a wide array of business practices, suggesting a more generalized view of the IT sector. This research highlights the significance of diverse educational backgrounds in shaping impressions of IT companies. It reveals a contrast between science students' technical-focused viewpoints and arts students' more expansive perspectives. The study offers valuable insights into workforce dynamics in the IT sector, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach in understanding the role of IT in modern society. Additionally, it sheds light on the evolving nature of student impressions in a digitally advancing world.
