Entrepreneurship Education and Business Communication as Drivers of Students’ Entrepreneurial Interest

Abstract

Entrepreneurship education plays an important role in developing students’ potential to become future entrepreneurs. Universities are expected to foster students’ entrepreneurial interest by integrating entrepreneurship-related courses into the curriculum. In addition to Entrepreneurship courses, Business Communication courses are also considered important because communication skills are essential for supporting business activities and promoting products effectively. However, despite the high intentions and desires of students to become entrepreneurs, the level of entrepreneurial interest among students at Yapis Wamena Scientific Charity University (UNA'IM) remains relatively low. Several factors contribute to this condition, including limited capital, lack of confidence in facing business risks, and limited business opportunities. This study aims to examine the role of Entrepreneurship and Business Communication courses in increasing students’ entrepreneurial interest at UNA'IM Yapis Wamena, particularly within the Faculty of Economics and Business. This research employs a qualitative approach using interviews, observations, and documentation as data collection techniques. The informants consisted of students from eight study programs at UNA'IM who had experience related to entrepreneurship learning. The findings reveal that although Entrepreneurship and Business Communication courses contribute to students’ understanding of entrepreneurship and communication skills in business activities, their role in increasing students’ entrepreneurial interest is still limited. Other factors such as family support, personal motivation, and economic conditions also play significant roles in shaping students’ entrepreneurial intentions.