The role of entrepreneurship education in career expectations of students

Entrepreneurship is regarded as a way of thinking, reasoning and acting that is opportunity oriented, holistic in approach and leadership (Timmons 1999:27). Not enough people in South Africa have the orientation and skills to create new business. This study examines the role that entrepreneurship education plays in the career expectations of students. Although strong emphasis has been placed on entrepreneurship education in tertiary institutions since the early nineties, exposure to one course in entrepreneurship does not ensure entrepreneurial orientation or more positive expectations about entrepreneurial abilities and careers. It is important to teach young children to think entrepreneurially. The research results could be used as guideline for future entrepreneurship education courses. It emphasises the importance of entrepreneurship development in which the media, educational system, business people and parents can work together to promote entrepreneurial thinking. In this way future entrepreneurship education courses can contribute to more positive attitudes of students towards themselves, their careers and their future. South African Journal of Higher Education Vol.15(1) 2001: 47-5