Sonam Rinchen , Karma Utha, Bhupen Gurung, Ganeshman Gurung & Tshewang Rabgay
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to determine Bhutanese students' perception towards entrepreneurship and the influence of entrepreneurship on their career
choice by a team of lecturers from Samtse College of Education and a teacher
from Samtse Higher Secondary School. It was a multifaceted research
involving survey, interviews, focus group interviews and document analysis.
The samples included 921 students [19 diploma students, 248 undergraduate
students, 654 school students (460=HSS & 194=MSS)], currently studying in
the schools, colleges and VTIs in Samtse, Chhukha and Thimphu Dzongkhags. Students perception analysis revealed that their perceptions on career choice are inclined more towards entrepreneurship second to
government jobs. The study also found that students and parents are aware of the increasing unemployment
scenario in Bhutan. It was also found that there is a minimal focus on entrepreneurship education in both school and the university curriculum and the pedagogical practices which are teacher centered to a large extent are not favorable for entrepreneurship
skill development. Some of the recommendations included a need to include
entrepreneurship education in the curriculum of all levels of school and a need to disseminate information related to entrepreneurship
among students in schools and colleges.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship;
Bhutan; Career; Curriculum; Perception
