Prior Work Experience and Entrepreneurship: The Careers of Young Entrepreneurs

• 成果类型: Article; Early Access
• 署名作者: Gendron-Carrier, Nicolas
• 署名单位: McGill University
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF LABOR ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0734-306X
• DOI: 10.1086/734527
• 发表日期: 2026
• 关键词: discrete-choice models; decisions; returns; size

摘要

Using Canadian administrative data, I study the careers of young entrepreneurs and the heterogeneity among them. I investigate both the mechanisms that drive entry into entrepreneurship and the determinants of entrepreneurial success. Empirically, entrepreneurs who have previously worked in high-wage firms tend to do better. I explain this finding using a dynamic model of career choice that features heterogeneous employers, human capital accumulation, and unobserved heterogeneity across individuals. Among other things, I find that prior work experience is particularly valuable for relatively low-ability individuals. I use the estimated model to evaluate policies designed to promote entrepreneurship.