Open Access

Dennis SchlegelORCiD, Tim Geiger

• Purpose Digital transformation is a key factor in the competitiveness of modern businesses. However, the shortage of IT specialists poses a significant challenge. The significant underrepresentation of women in IT-related programmes in higher education further increases the skills shortage and reduces diversity and creativity. Against this background, this study aims to investigate the gender-specific factors influencing the decision to pursue IT-related degrees in the context of business informatics (B-Inf) in Germany to understand why few young women choose this field of study. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative survey was conducted with 186 undergraduate students in Germany. The survey examined the perceptions and priorities of both male and female students when choosing their field of study. Findings The results reveal that women place greater emphasis on job security and societal impact when selecting their field of study, whereas men tend to prioritise interest in technology, personal development and enjoyment of IT-related work. Originality/value Although previous research has focused on computer science programmes, little attention has been paid specifically to B-Inf programmes, which are a distinct discipline combining computer science and business administration. This study contributes new insights into the gender-specific preferences influencing the choice of B-Inf degrees, offering practical implications for increasing female participation and addressing the IT skills gap.