Trends and determinants of students' entrepreneurship interest and career aspirations abroad: A comparative study of Albania and Bulgaria

This research paper presents some findings on the evolution of entrepreneurial intention among Albanian and Bulgarian students and their career aspirations. Additionally, this research analyzes their life satisfaction and reasons to continue their careers in their home country from 2020-2023. The dataset is composed of 600 responses from students in each country, 1200 students interviewed in total, evenly distributed in both countries. The findings illustrate differences in entrepreneurial intentions towards future career opportunities overseas, with major contrasts between the two countries. Notably, the results indicate that students who prefer to work abroad are likely to be entrepreneurs. Gender-based analysis revealed that male students have better entrepreneurial aspirations, while female students will likely consider seeking career opportunities abroad. Furthermore, the study provides empirical evidence to inform educational institutions and governments too, with a focus on the significance of quality entrepreneurial education and cross-border employment opportunities. This study contributes to the existing literature by integrating theoretical frameworks such as the Theory of Planned Behavior and Career Choice Models to describe how students' attitudes towards entrepreneurship are shifting. In this study, the policy implications for promoting entrepreneurial ecosystems and mitigating talent migration are also discussed.