Research of student's entrepreneurial activity | Studentu uzņēmējspēju izpēte

In every sector of the Latvian economy the demand for professionals with advanced business skills nowadays has significantly increased. Very actual is the discussion that universities must train not only highly skilled professionals, but also develop their entrepreneurial abilities and entrepreneurial skills, so graduates can be more competitive in the labour market and can also make a significant contribution to national economic development by creating new businesses and places of work. The Latvia University of Agriculture educates many new specialists in different industries, so the aim of this research is to research the Latvia University’s of Agriculture student’s entrepreneurial ability. Information gained by questionnaires show that, in the students’ opinion, studies at the Latvia University of Agriculture have developed their ability to work in teams, to plan their time and personal finances and the ability to make decisions without assistance. The results also showed that the studies haven’t evolved the students’ ability to create business ideas and to undertake entrepreneurial risks and also haven’t provided enough knowledge in economic and management theories. Studies at the Latvia University of Agriculture also haven’t motivated students to become entrepreneurs. Research showed that the majority of the Latvia University’s of Agriculture students during their student years did not develop their entrepreneurial ability, but despite that they haven’t lost their wish to become entrepreneurs. Students and the author of the research recommend directors of the study programs to include in the Latvia University of Agriculture study programs more lectures from experienced entrepreneurs, visits to successful enterprises and opportunities for students in special study courses to establish their experimental enterprises. The author also came to the conclusion that an active student’s social life during the student years time has a positive and important influence on the students’ entrepreneurial ability development.