ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS' ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCIES: THE CASE OF VYRAUTAS MAGNUS UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURE ACADEMY

Abstract

This study examines the expression of entrepreneurial competencies and the need for their enhancement among students of the Agronomy, Engineering, Forest Sciences, and Ecology Faculties at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA). The aim of the research is to assess the level of entrepreneurial competencies among these students and to identify their needs for further development. The theoretical part analyzes the concept of entrepreneurial competencies, their significance, and methods for strengthening them, based on scientific literature. The empirical part presents a quantitative analysis based on survey data collected via a "Microsoft Forms" questionnaire. The findings revealed that students mostly lack financial literacy, legal knowledge related to business organization, and marketing skills. These gaps may limit their entrepreneurial potential. Most respondents expressed a desire to acquire practical skills in budgeting, planning, and customer analysis, as well as deepen their knowledge in investment, international business, and innovation in the future. The study confirms that enhancing entrepreneurship among students in the faculties should be more focused on practical training, cooperation with the business sector, and supplementary entrepreneurship education.