The impact of entrepreneurship programmes on students’ career decisions : the case study of the Durban University of Technology

Abstract

Unemployment is a severe scourge that many countries, from both developed and underdeveloped economies, face. Thus, it has a very negative impact on the economy since it increases unemployment rates, poverty, and other social ills. In the South African context, it has been noticed that there seems to be an increasing trend in graduate unemployment and a lack of interest in entrepreneurship careers after graduating. In a quest for the best solution to this dilemma of graduate unemployment, the government has realised that the only way to revitalise the economy is through the development of entrepreneurship. Therefore, it has made entrepreneurship education a top priority in the institutions of higher learning. This resolution by the government was aimed at facilitating entrepreneurial activities and the cultivation of entrepreneurial talents through tertiary education. It was for this reason that most tertiary institutions introduced entrepreneurship education modules and qualifications in their course offerings. The primary aim of the study is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurship education on students’ future career decisions and also to identify challenges that prevent students from pursuing entrepreneurial activities. In addition, this study aims to find the most effective methods that can mitigate against identified challenges. This study was conducted at the Durban University of Technology (Durban campuses only). A mixed methods approach was used to conduct this research study. A sample size of 274 respondents was sampled from a population of 932 registered students of the entrepreneurship education module for the academic year of 2017 at the Durban University of Technology – the respondents were selected to participate in the data collection. A further three academic staff members within the department of entrepreneurial studies were also included in this study. The study findings highlighted that entrepreneurship education is instrumental in fostering students’ entrepreneurial skills and proclivity towards self-employment. However, certain challenges were identified as the root cause for entrepreneurship education not yielding the much-anticipated results. The study highlighted access to start-up capital as a major challenge, since the majority of students do not have a good credit record or collateral, as required by financial institutions. Therefore, the recommendations made in this particular study can be considered a point of reference for improved outcomes.