Entrepreneurial Aspirations And Career Orientation Among Chinese Vocational College Students
Zeng Yan
Discipline: Education
Abstract:
Entrepreneurial aspirations and career orientation are crucial in shaping the professional futures of vocational college students in China. This study explores the relationship between these factors, surveying 385 students from various vocational institutions. The findings reveal that most respondents, aged 18 to 25, are at a critical stage of career development, with a notable interest in entrepreneurship. This trend underscores a growing inclination toward innovation and self-employment among vocational students. Students identified strongly with entrepreneurial traits such as creativity, risk-taking, and a readiness to innovate. Their career orientation emphasizes the importance of acquiring practical skills that are directly applicable to industry needs, highlighting the role of vocational education in preparing students for specific job roles. The study also shows that entrepreneurial aspirations and career orientation vary by gender and educational background. Male students tend to favor innovation and risk-taking, while female students are more inclined toward collaborative and community-focused ventures. Those with higher educational attainment show a stronger preference for leadership and managerial positions. A significant correlation between entrepreneurial aspirations and career orientation suggests that students with entrepreneurial goals are more likely to pursue careers that offer opportunities for innovation and business development. These findings point to the importance of integrating entrepreneurship education into vocational curricula, ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills and mindset to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market.
References:
- Li, W., & Zhang, X. (2020). The impact of economic growth on vocational education and employment in China. China Economic Review, 62, 101392.
- Wang, L., & Liu, Y. (2021). Entrepreneurial aspirations of vocational college students in the context of China’s economic transition. Asia Pacific Business Review, 27(4), 573-590.
- Yang, X., Chen, J., & Li, W. (2023). Cultural perceptions and vocational students' entrepreneurial intentions in China: A study of societal influences. Journal of Small Business Management, 61(2), 332-349.
- Ministry of Education. (2019). National Vocational Education Reform Implementation Plan. Beijing: Ministry of Education.
- Zhao, Y., & Chen, L. (2021). The impact of the "1+X" certificate system on vocational education and employment in China. Chinese Journal of Education, 40(5), 45-58.
- Xu, M., & Huang, R. (2020). Integrating vocational education with industry needs: The development of the "1+X" certificate system in China. Journal of Vocational Education & Training, 72(4), 443-460.
- Jiang, Q., & Wu, M. (2022). Vocational college students’ entrepreneurial challenges and opportunities: A Chinese perspective. Education and Training, 64(4), 489-505.
- Liu, J., & Feng, Y. (2022). Entrepreneurship education and its impact on vocational students' career intentions in China. Education and Training, 64(5), 549-565.
- Chen, L., Zhang, Y., & Li, H. (2022). The role of career orientation in shaping vocational students' career aspirations. Vocational Education Review, 43(1), 123-139.
- Wang, W., & Wang, Y. (2020). Vocational education and entrepreneurship in China: A review of policies and practices. International Journal of Educational Development, 76, 102299.
- Sun, Q., & Li, Z. (2021). Mass entrepreneurship and innovation in China: Policies and their effects on vocational education. Economic and Political Studies, 9(2), 176-192.
- Zhang, Y., & Qin, Z. (2021). Practical entrepreneurial experiences and their impact on vocational students' business success in China. Journal of Business Venturing Insights, 16, e00239.
- Qin, X., & Sun, Y. (2023). Entrepreneurship parks and incubators in China: Supporting vocational students' startups. Chinese Management Studies, 17(1), 19-37.
- Liu, Y., & Zhang, X. (2020). Government initiatives and their impact on vocational college students' entrepreneurial intentions in China. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 26(5), 907-926.
- Wang, J., Liu, Q., & Sun, M. (2022). Navigating entrepreneurial complexities: Practical experiences and educational interventions for vocational students in China. Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, 25(1), 25-42.
- Zhao, Y., & Liu, H. (2020). Gender differences in career orientation: Examining the influence of societal norms. Journal of Career Assessment, 28(1), 72-89.
- Chen, J., & Jiang, Y. (2023). Gender differences in career orientation: Emerging trends and implications. Journal of Career Development, 50(2), 188-205.
- Liu, Q., Wang, L., & Sun, Y. (2022). Technological advancements and entrepreneurial opportunities in China's vocational education sector. Technology in Society, 69, 101963.
- She, L., Ma, L., Jan, A., Sharif Nia, H., & Wang, H., & Feng, X. (2021). The role of career orientation in shaping employee well-being and job satisfaction. Human Resource Management Journal, 31(3), 479-495.
- Liu, J., Sun, M., & Zhao, H. (2023). Overcoming financial barriers: Government and institutional support for vocational student entrepreneurs in China. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 30(2), 280-298.
- Chen, J., Liu, Y., & Wang, X. (2022). Social support systems and entrepreneurial success in China: An analysis of the vocational education context. Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 74(2), 215-233.
- Xu, Y., & Liu, J. (2021). Building a supportive social environment for entrepreneurship: Insights from China’s vocational education system. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 45(3), 559-576.
- Zhang, Y., Li, H., & Liu, Y. (2023). Vocational students' entrepreneurial intentions in the digital economy: A study of opportunities and challenges in China. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 182, 121831.
- Chen, W., & Wang, X. (2023). Aligning leadership development with employee career orientations: A strategic approach. Human Resource Management Review, 33(1), 127-144.
- Bordens, K. S., & Abbott, B. B. (2023). Research design and methods: A process approach. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Kim, H., & Lee, J. (2019). Self-efficacy and its impact on job satisfaction and career commitment. Journal of Occupational Health, 34(2), 233-247.
- Garcia, M. (2021). The impact of career counseling on student career readiness. Journal of Career Planning, 24(1), 78-92.
- Chen, L., & Zhao, Y. (2022). Cognitive readiness in entrepreneurship: The importance of market understanding and continuous learning. Journal of Small Business Management, 60(2), 234-251.
- Johnson, R. D., & Wang, Y. (2023). Achievement orientation and career success: The moderating role of career strategies. Career Development International, 28(1), 59-75.
- Taylor, D. W., & Evans, J. R. (2021). Intrinsic motivation and entrepreneurial success: The critical role of passion and excitement. Entrepreneurship Research Journal, 11(2), 215-231.
- Smith, T. A., & Brown, D. (2020). Adapting to industry changes: The importance of continuous learning and skill development. Journal of Education and Work, 33(4), 419-434.
- Johnson, S. M., & Lee, K. M. (2021). Bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical execution in entrepreneurship. Journal of Business Research, 129, 481-491.
- Lee, H., Park, J., & Kim, S. (2023). Leveraging online resources for entrepreneurial success: The role of social media and online platforms. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 30(2), 216-234.
- Nguyen, T. L., & Tran, Q. D. (2018). Enhancing employability skills and job market readiness: A focus on vocational education. Journal of Education and Work, 31(4), 382-396.
- Johnson, S. M., & Smith, T. A. (2020). Lifelong learning and professional growth: Keys to maintaining competitiveness in the modern job market. Journal of Career Development, 47(5), 507-521.
- Martinez, A., & Hernandez, J. (2020). Understanding salary and benefits in career planning. Journal of Career Development, 45(1), 110-125.
- Smith, A., & Brown, P. (2020). Career counseling and job search strategies: Enhancing competitiveness in the job market. Journal of Career Education, 32(2), 78-92.
- Johnson, R., & Lee, S. (2019). Perception of career advancement opportunities and its impact on employee engagement. Journal of Career Development, 26(3), 198-215.
ISSN 3028-2632 (Online)
ISSN 2782-8557 (Print)