DefinePK

Abstract

This study aims to have an insight into the experiential learning impact on entrepreneurial intentions among university students in emerging markets. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, is chosen to be the focus of this study. The intention is to find out how programs of internships, Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), trade fairs, entrepreneurial summit, and competitions create an impact among students with high propensities toward entrepreneurship. This study has used a descriptive, correlative, and regression analysis approach to assess the relationship of these experiential learning activities with entrepreneurial intentions using a questionnaire with a sample size of 230 students, both undergraduate and postgraduate. The findings indicated that internship and SIWES are more robust drivers of building entrepreneurial intention when compared to the trade fair. These findings show that structured and immersive learning is crucial in the instillation of an entrepreneurial mindset. The study concludes by making recommendations to universities and policymakers on how to develop experiential learning programs so as to better equip the student for entrepreneurial ventures.
Keywords:  Experiential Learning, Entrepreneurial Intentions, University Students, Internships, Emerging Markets.