The Academic Advising, Mentorship, and Entrepreneurial Career Choices for University Students

Abstract

This study investigates the role of academic advising and mentorship in shaping students’ entrepreneurial career choices, emphasizing their psychological and developmental impacts. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, a systematic literature review was conducted across Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify relevant peer-reviewed articles, institutional reports, and publications from 2010 to 2025. Thematic analysis revealed that academic advising, when applied holistically, extends beyond course selection and graduation planning to include personal development, networking, and exposure to entrepreneurial ecosystems. Mentorship complements this role by providing real-world insights, professional networks, and role models that build entrepreneurial self-efficacy and resilience. Findings show that self-efficacy is a central determinant of entrepreneurial intention, with advisors and mentors jointly fostering confidence, motivation, and readiness to pursue self-employment. Case evidence indicates that institutions integrating structured mentorship programs within advising achieve higher student engagement and entrepreneurial uptake. Despite these benefits, challenges persist, including inadequate advisor training, limited institutional resources, and underutilization of mentorship opportunities. The study contributes to the literature by demonstrating how the advising–mentorship nexus can serve as an innovative mechanism for embedding entrepreneurship within higher education, particularly by leveraging hybrid delivery models and targeted outreach for underrepresented groups. Policy and practice implications include the need for professional training of advisors, investment in institutional support systems, and the use of digital platforms to expand mentorship access. Strengthening the synergy between academic advising and mentorship can foster an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in higher education, equipping students with the confidence, networks, and skills necessary for sustainable entrepreneurial careers.