From Learners to Entrepreneurs: A Study on the Factors Affecting Student’s Entrepreneurial Intention

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the impact of several factors on student’s entrepreneurial intention. Apart from demographics factors and personality traits, the study focuses on behavioral factors and particularly on entrepreneurial education. A quantitative survey has covered the sample of 450 undergraduates from five general public sector universities of Punjab, Pakistan. The data was analyzed using Principal Component Analysis and Multiple Regression Analysis. Findings of the study showed that all the behavioral factors have positive and significant influence on the student’s entrepreneurial intention. However, there is no significant difference in regard with student’s age, gender and work experience. Furthermore, the students who take entrepreneurial courses showed higher intention to start their own business as compared to their counterparts. Moreover, the study found that financial constraint is the major obstacle in developing student’s entrepreneurial intention. The results of this study provide valuable insight to educators, government and policy makers about the importance of entrepreneurship education and financial supports to stimulate the student’s entrepreneurial intention. It may also serve students better by recognizing and increasing their entrepreneurial strengths and focus on to start up their own business rather than rely on obsolete system.