<![CDATA[This study aims to analyse the mediating role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) in the relationship between entrepreneurial mindset and career readiness among vocational high school (SMK) students. The background to this research is the relatively high rate of open unemployment among SMK graduates, making the strengthening of entrepreneurial orientation a strategic priority. The study employs a quantitative approach using Structural Equation Modelling based on Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) with SmartPLS 4.0 software. The sample comprised 108 Year 12 students from SMK 3 Balikpapan, selected via purposive sampling. The construct of entrepreneurial mindset was measured across four dimensions: opportunity orientation, innovation proneness, risk tolerance, and future focus; entrepreneurial self-efficacy was measured through opportunity identification, innovation & creativity, resource gathering, and risk & uncertainty management; and career readiness was operationalised through career clarity, self-presentation, work readiness attitude, and entrepreneurial readiness. The results of the hypothesis testing indicate: (1) entrepreneurial mindset has a positive and significant effect on career readiness; (2) entrepreneurial mindset has a positive and significant effect on; (3) ESE has a positive and significant effect on career readiness; and (4) ESE partially mediates the effect of entrepreneurial mindset on career readiness. The R² value for career readiness of 0.543 indicates that the model has substantial predictive power. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening entrepreneurship programmes in vocational schools that not only target mindset but also build entrepreneurial self-confidence as a bridge to comprehensive career readiness.]]>
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