Mudei, agora sou da TI: um estudo sobre a atratividade da carreira em tecnologia da informação e sua relação com o fenômeno de transição de carreira

Abstract

This thesis aimed to understand the phenomenon of career transition to the Information Technology (IT) field from the perspective of individuals who experience this process. The research was based on the assumption that the growing movement of professional migration to the IT sector is related not only to structural issues in the labor market, but also to subjective, symbolic, and contextual factors that shape decision-making and the construction of new professional identities. To this end, the thesis was structured in three interdependent studies. In Study I, I conducted a systematic review of the literature on IT occupational culture, highlighting the aspects that give uniqueness to the profession. In Study II, of an essay nature, I proposed a dialogue between career management theories and the specificities of the IT market, identifying theoretical gaps and opportunities to understand the attractiveness of this

area. Finally, in Study III, of an empirical nature and qualitative approach, I conducted 56 semi- structured interviews with professionals related to the phenomenon of career transition to IT.

Based on content analysis, I developed a definition of the IT Career Attractiveness construct (ITCA), consisting of three forces (positive, negative, and neutral), and systematized the structuring axes of the transition phenomenon: contextual factors, intercareer learning, and transition catalysts. These elements were integrated into the IT Migration Model (IT-MM), which articulates construct, phenomenon, and a transversal dimension composed of career narratives and emotions/feelings. Regarding the main contributions of the thesis: a) From an academic point of view, the research proposed an academic construct that can be adapted to other careers. In addition, it brings to the academic sphere a discussion about a real phenomenon with economic and social impacts for the country; b) From a theoretical point of view, the research articulates four theoretical bases: Career Anchor Theory, Social Cognitive Career Theory, Career Construction Theory, and Theory U; c) From a practical point of view, the findings offer information for organizations, managers and educational institutions by highlighting the potential of professionals in transition and the importance of environments that favor the integration and appreciation of previous skills.