Importance of entrepreneurial attitudes in selecting faculty of study and career planning with respect to students of environmental protection and tourism and recreation at the Pedagogical University of Cracow

Abstract

Social and economic transformations that took place in Poland after 1989 brought, besides the obvious benefits, a number of negative consequences such as the unemployment. In order to increase own competitiveness in the demanding labour market, and referring to the progressive development of civilization associated with building the knowledge-based economy, entrepreneurial attitude of an individual person and his interpersonal skills are of paramount importance. In this approach, entrepreneurial individuals should be inclined to acquire new knowledge and have the ability to observe surroundings and recognize emerging opportunities, which could help to improve their educational and occupational qualifications. Free part-time studies at the Pedagogical University in Cracow undoubtedly offer such an opportunity. The article discusses the problematic aspects of motives for choosing a faculty of studies at the Pedagogical University, which are co-financed by the European Union under the European Social Fund and the Human Capital Operational Programme. The research, based on a questionnaire survey developed by the authors of this article, was conducted in June 2011. The research sample comprised of 33 students of the third year of tourism and recreation, and 50 students of the third year of the environmental protection. On the basis of their response, the hierarchy of motives has been made, as well as the analysis of students’ plans regarding their education and career. This article also presents an assessment of entrepreneurial attitudes of students in planning their own careers.