The Future of Education

For entrepreneurs, learning is a lifelong process. Learning to become an IT software Romanian entrepreneur competing on a global market implies intertwined processes of becoming – that is learning how to behave as an entrepreneur (identity/role-related issues) and doing – that is learning how to practice entrepreneurship. Knowledge acquisition is just part of this becoming process; practicing is key for enabling entrepreneurs to move from a novice to an expert entrepreneur. Drawing on 15 semi-directed interviews with entrepreneurs in the ICT sector- software development firms, we inductively explore learning as crucial for developing entrepreneurial identity and expertise. In so doing, we highlight the importance of entrepreneurial practice as a means to develop self-reflection, self-awareness and knowledge in formal and informal networks. By doing this, we contribute to entrepreneurial learning literature by revealing how becoming entrepreneur is embedded in entrepreneurial practice, along with the role of mentoring and peer learning in this lifelong journey.

Keywords: entrepreneurship,entrepreneurial learning, mentoring.