Higher education and entrepreneurial activities: The experience of graduates

This paper explores if and how the models and theories that graduates learn during their time in higher education are applied during entrepreneurial activities. The paper focuses on research that seeks to enhance the understanding of the impact higher education, specifically, the value academic theory and models have for entrepreneurs. The data was collected in two phases. Firstly, a survey was conducted of 100 academics. This survey examines how the academics conceive the relevance of their teaching, learning and assessment to the work environment and activities of entrepreneurs. Secondly, 30 graduates who are entrepreneurs were interviewed. The findings from this research indicate that participation in higher education has positive impacts for the graduates through skill/knowledge development and access to business network members. However, the graduates' perception of the benefits of entrepreneurship are different to the reality of working as an entrepreneur.