Analyzing the Intentions and Perceptions of University Graduates toward Self-employment through Entrepreneurial Knowledge: A Case of Moshi Cooperative University (MoCU), Tanzania

Abstract

This study explored the perception and intention of university graduates regarding self-employment among alumni of Moshi Cooperative University (MoCU) who graduated between 2015 and 2017. 92 graduates were selected from a broader population of 2,724 using stratified random sampling, as calculated by Yamane's formula, to ensure a representative sample. The findings indicated that 52.7% of the graduates were unemployed, while only 14% were employed. The results showed that graduates held a positive perspective on entrepreneurship education, with an average score of 2.90, surpassing the threshold of 2.50, and no significant gender differences were noted (male mean=3.06; female mean=2.92). Analyzing entrepreneurial intentions, it was discovered that 58.7% (n=54) displayed a high level of achievement motivation, and 56.5% (n=52) showed a strong internal locus of control. However, only 29.3% exhibited a high level of creativity, 32.6% demonstrated a significant propensity for risk-taking, and 18.5% had a strong sense of self-efficacy. The research highlights a contradiction in which graduates appreciate entrepreneurship education but encounter substantial competency obstacles to pursuing self-employment. Major barriers identified included a lack of startup capital (37.6%), inadequate entrepreneurial skills (24.7%), and fear of risk (17.2%). The recommendations stress the importance of enhancing experiential learning aspects within entrepreneurship programs to cultivate creative thinking, risk-taking abilities, and self-confidence among graduates.