Examining entrepreneurial motivations in an education context

Abstract

Entrepreneurial skills are receiving greater attention as engineering departments realise the value of having their graduates receive an education that goes beyond just technical skills. In Norway, one particular education method is to have engineering students start a business. Little is known about what motivates students who set out to start a business, and how feasible they perceive this task. This article sets out to explore students’ motivations around entrepreneurship. The paper finds that students are largely motivated by intrinsic factors such as the challenge of working on their own business, and learning to use their skills and competence. While extrinsic motivations such as money do not seem to play a large motivating role. The article reveals students’ have negative perceptions regarding their own skills and competence to pursue an entrepreneurial career. The article is based on empirical data gathered from a joint workshop held between two similar universities who educate their engineers in entrepreneurship.