Abstract

This qualitative study explores how Thai university student entrepreneurs develop entrepreneurial competencies and identities while simultaneously managing businesses and being fully enrolled in their universities. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with ten student entrepreneurs from different regions and academic disciplines across Thailand. The sample reflected diversity in age, gender, educational background, and business types. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: (1) Motivations for becoming an entrepreneur, (2) Facilitators and barriers to pursue entrepreneurship, (3) Entrepreneurial mindset and identity, (4) Entrepreneurial learning processes, and (5) Challenging conventional norms – Redefining success. Findings reveal that student entrepreneurship is a transformative learning journey characterized by self-regulated learning, experiential growth, and identity formation. Thai student entrepreneurs were forced to withstand the cultural tension surrounding career prosperity. As a result, these young entrepreneurs demonstrated high self-discipline, self-motivation in learning, and actively sought out opportunities. Student entrepreneurs primarily acquire competencies through informal learning ecosystems, such as peer mentoring from senior entrepreneurs. While universities provide social capital and networking opportunities, participants criticized the disconnect between academic content and entrepreneurial realities. These student entrepreneurs challenge traditional definitions of success by prioritizing autonomy, meaningful work, and lifestyle flexibility over conventional achievement metrics. The study highlights the need for Thai higher education institutions to recognize informal learning pathways, reform pedagogical approaches, and promote inclusive narratives that validate entrepreneurship as a legitimate and empowering student trajectory.

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