High-Tech Shift: Young Israelis Skip University Degrees for Practical Skills
A recent survey shows that young Israelis are increasingly bypassing traditional university degrees for high-tech careers, prioritizing practical experience and artificial intelligence proficiency.
A new survey reveals that 51.4% of young Israelis believe academic studies in exact sciences provide only theoretical knowledge, requiring additional practical training to enter the high-tech sector. The poll, conducted by Geocartography Institute and sponsored by Infinity Labs R&D, surveyed 514 respondents aged 21-34.
Drop in Computer Science Enrollment
Recent data published by the Council for Higher Education shows that the number of students enrolled in computer science, mathematics, and statistics dropped by 7.6% within a single year, falling from 22,200 students to 20,500. This follows a 4% decrease in the previous academic year, indicating a broader trend of young people bypassing traditional university degrees in favor of practical experience.
The illusion that an academic degree is a guaranteed entry ticket to high-tech shattered a long time ago, says Haim Geron, co-CEO and founder of Infinity Labs R&D. Employers are no longer looking for diplomas; they seek practical experience, complex problem-solving abilities, and AI proficiency.
What Employers Really Want
When asked what employers value most in candidates, 29% of respondents ranked practical experience in real projects first, 27.1% chose proficiency in AI coding tools, and 16.2% pointed to system design and problem-solving skills. A relevant academic degree was ranked first by only 9.2% of participants.