Influences of parental occupation on occupational choices and professional values

Abstract

Technology entrepreneurship is crucial for economic development and job creation. Success of technology start-ups, however, depends on the quality of their human capital. Engineering students have the entrepreneurial potential necessary for technology businesses creation. Exposure to role models is a determinant in the development of occupational choices, professional values, and entrepreneurial intentions and behavior. This study broadens knowledge on parental occupation's influence on offspring's career plans and professional values. Data from 851 engineering and architecture students show that self-employed parents foster entrepreneurial intentions in their children, whereas civil servant parents are negative entrepreneurial role models. Parental occupation also influences students' views on how attractive these two professional options are. Students with self-employed parents value financial reward more than civil servants' children do. This study shows that parental occupation influences offspring's professional choices and values.