ENGINEERING STUDENTS' INCLINATION TOWARDS DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS A CAREER CHOICE

Abstract

In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), engineering graduates are increasingly challenged by dynamic labour market demands and the need to explore alternative and flexible career pathways. Digital entrepreneurship has emerged as a promising option that integrates technological innovation with economic opportunities. Despite its growing relevance, the factors influencing engineering students’ inclination toward this career choice remain insufficiently explored. This study aims to examine engineering students’ inclination toward digital entrepreneurship, focusing on three key determinants: motivation, digital literacy, and environmental encouragement. A quantitative survey design was employed, involving 175 final-year engineering students at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). The research instrument was a structured questionnaire measuring four main constructs: motivational factors, digital literacy, environmental encouragement, and students’ inclination toward digital entrepreneurship, using a Likert-scale format grounded in established theoretical frameworks. The data were analysed using SPSS through both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to address the research questions empirically. The findings indicate that engineering students generally demonstrate a strong inclination toward digital entrepreneurship. Motivation and environmental encouragement emerge as dominant influencing factors, highlighting the importance of internal drive and supportive ecosystems such as family, peers, and digital communities. Digital literacy also contributes meaningfully by enhancing students’ confidence and capability to engage in digital business environments, although certain advanced competencies require further development. The study underscores that the interaction between personal motivation, technological competence, and environmental support plays a critical role in shaping students’ entrepreneurial intentions. These findings suggest that higher education institutions should strengthen digital entrepreneurship education, enhance practical skill development, and foster supportive learning environments to better prepare engineering students for emerging career opportunities beyond traditional engineering pathways.