Predicting Entrepreneurial Intention: The Impact of Career Expectations and Grit among University Students at Sultan Qaboos University

This study investigates the predictive effects of career expectations and grit on Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) students’ entrepreneurial intentions. In addition, the study examined the effects of demographic variables (gender, college and GPA) on the levels of entrepreneurial intention, career expectations and grit. The study sample consisted of (323) students from undergraduate levels at SQU. The results indicated that career expectations and the "perseverance of effort" domain in grit scale were able to predict entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, based on demographic variables, a statistically significant difference was found in entrepreneurial intentions, career expectations, consistency of interest and perseverance of effort. Considering the current findings, the study recommended expanding research on factors influencing entrepreneurial intentions among university students by adding psychological and social variables as mediators and moderator's factors. Furthermore, the study emphasized the necessity for workshops and training programs to enhance students' understanding of the significance of career expectations and grit in entrepreneurial intention, given the evolution in the educational system.

Keywords: Entrepreneurial intention, career expectations, grit, university students, Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman.