Academic Career and Gender Balance Perceptions Among Bachelor’s Students in Computer Science: A Case Study

The field of Information Technology (IT) is constantly evolv-ing, and both industry and academia are experiencing a shortage of human resources in this sector. As interest in IT-related studies increases worldwide, there is a growing demand for academics in this field. Understanding student perceptions of academia as a career path is crucial for addressing this workforce gap. This study focuses on the gendered aspect of this discussion, exploring the perceptions of young Computer Science (CS) students, particularly women, regarding the pursuit of an academic career in CS. It also examines their personal views of gen-der disparity in the IT industry and academia. The aim of this study is to enrich global understanding of gender diversity, academic progression, and career choices in the IT sector, using Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) as a case study. The results indicate the need for greater diver-sity, fairness, and inclusivity, which are directly related to the concept of responsible computing.