THE HEAD of the Philippine Software Industry Association said that the mismatch between skills and jobs can be attributed to the disconnect between the academe and the industry, leaving graduates applying for jobs not really suited for them.

Jonathan Luzuriaga, PSIA president, discussed the tremendous growth of the Software Development and IT industry in a webinar series hosted by iACADEMY.

He said that ITBPM (Information Technology Business Process Management) composed of software development, contact center, creatives – animation, game development, shared services sector reported 1.3 million direct employment that if translated to monetary value amounts to $26.7 billion.

“Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, the IT industry is still growing and we need more people to be educated in the newer things that are being applied in the SD and IT industry so that we can continue this growth pattern,” Luzuriaga told those who attended the Goalkeepers Webinar.

Luzuriaga listed the jobs that are in demand, such as digital marketing, data analysis, IT support, web and app design and development, cyber security, risk management, AI and machine learning process automation.

He added that those with leadership, communication, interpersonal and problem solving skills are most wanted.

Luzuriaga said exchanges between the industry and academe are crucial to address the jobs and skills mismatch.

“We encourage more of this, conversations and partnerships like this so academe and industry can stop pointing fingers. Im thankful that iACADEMY pulled the trigger and joined industry associations so we can have a more open conversations in terms of what we need and what iACADEMY can produce,” he added.

iACADEMY has a regular Program Advisory Council composed of faculty, alumni, industry partners and practitioners to review and continuously improve its curriculum.

The school joined PSIA “to stay in touch with the industry to know and understand how we can meet the requirements of the industry. This has always been the thrust and strength of iACADEMY, our emphasis on industry aligned curriculum,” Mitch Andaya, Dean for the School of Computing and VP for Planning and Accreditation, said.

iACADEMY offers specialized programs centered on computing, business and design.