Entrepreneurship and Saudi Engineering Students: Intentions and Competencies

Abstract

In recent years, entrepreneurship has opened many doors and opportunities for individuals and societies alike. In the case of Saudi Arabia, it could reduce the reliance on oil and contribute to the economy diversification. This research paper aims to investigating students’ entrepreneurial intentions such as their level of interest, the time preference of starting their venture and preferences regarding a partnership. Further, it assesses the students' attainment level of skills that are deemed necessary for an entrepreneur to be successful. The research is also evaluating whether a university has any role in providing the students with the necessary skills and in which ways it does that. A survey was used to find answers to the research questions and was distributed to students in different regions of Saudi Arabia. The study found that about 80% of engineering students are interested in having an entrepreneurial career and the primary motivator behind this decision is to make more money than what is provide by a traditional job. Additionally, the majority of students prefer working for a few years before venturing on their own. The results show that skills and competencies such as decision making, effective communication, strategic and analytical thinking, flexibility and leadership were acquired at a better level than skills and competencies such as business acumen, risk taking, financial expertise and time management. Moreover, only 47% of participants believe that higher education schools have a role in equipping the students with the required skills, and the majority of those believe the university has helped them in attaining skills, such as project management skills through business administration courses.