The Effects of Collegiate Entrepreneurship Education on Post- Graduation Startup of New Ventures: A First Look

Abstract

The questions related to why some individuals choose to start a business while others do not are often studied in Entrepreneurship literature. While extensive research has been performed regarding when, why, and how individuals identify potential opportunities, this study brings together many of the factors previously studied in the literature in one model, including selfconfidence, networking, and education. In particular, the study examines whether the number of collegiate entrepreneurship courses taken is associated with the post-graduation startup of a new firm. The results present, among other things, that taking additional collegiate entrepreneurship courses increases the probability an individual will start their own firm and adds to literature concerning the interaction of risk attitudes and start-up of new firms. Practical implications include suggestions based on the results for how educators may be able to identify those most likely to start new firms and improve the education of nascent entrepreneurs.

Keywords: entrepreneurship, education, self-confidence, networks, risk.