The Real Truth About Building an Entrepreneurship Academic Career

Jan de Vries · 2026-09-25

What does it actually take to build a successful academic career in entrepreneurship today? If you think it's just about publishing papers and climbing the promotion ladder, you're in for a surprise. The ECSB Professional Development Workshop (PDW) held at Trinity Business School in Dublin on May 14, 2026, brought together about 20 PhD researchers, early-career academics, and seasoned scholars to dig into that very question. And what they found might change how you think about academic success. ### Challenging Traditional Career Narratives We've all heard the script: publish or perish, secure grant funding, get promoted, build an international reputation. Sounds straightforward, right? But for most scholars, the reality is messier. The workshop created a space where participants could openly question these conventional expectations and ask themselves: what does success actually mean to me? Academic careers rarely follow a straight line. They're full of highs, lows, unexpected turns, and moments when you feel completely lost. And that's okay. The conversations at the PDW highlighted how the modern higher education landscape—with its obsession over metrics, rankings, and impact factors—can narrow our definition of success. While these measures matter, they shouldn't be the only yardstick. Throughout the day, one theme kept coming up: the importance of developing an authentic scholarly identity. That means staying true to your values and recognizing that a meaningful academic career can take many different shapes. ### A Day of Reflection, Creativity, and Conversation The workshop wasn't your typical academic conference. It blended keynote talks with hands-on activities designed to spark reflection and connection. The morning kicked off with Dr. Deirdre McGillicuddy from University College Dublin, who delivered a session called "Educaring from the Heart: How to Nurture Your Wellbeing and Rediscover Your Purpose in Education." She set a warm, supportive tone, reminding everyone that self-care and purpose are just as important as productivity. After some informal networking over coffee, participants dove into "Through the Looking Glass," an activity that encouraged them to examine their own academic journeys and aspirations. Then Dr. Briga Hynes from the University of Limerick led "Getting to Where We Need To – A Gender Perspective," which tackled gender, equity, and inclusion in academia. It sparked important discussions about structural barriers and how we can build more inclusive environments. Next up was "Picking up the Pieces," where participants connected the morning's insights to their own experiences—identifying challenges, celebrating resilience, and imagining future possibilities. After lunch, Professor Gary Kerr from Atlantic Technological University delivered an interactive session titled "Playing the GAME: Understanding What Others Want… Shhhhhh." It explored the unspoken expectations of institutions, reviewers, and colleagues, and how to navigate them without losing yourself. The day wrapped up with "A Creative Pause – Vocalising What We Are Anticipating: Hanging Thoughts," where everyone shared their hopes, concerns, and ambitions. It was a powerful way to close. ### What This Means for You If you're an entrepreneurship scholar—or thinking about becoming one—here's the takeaway: your career doesn't have to fit a predetermined mold. Success isn't just about hitting metrics. It's about finding purpose, staying true to your values, and building a community that supports you. The ECSB PDW showed that there's power in slowing down, reflecting, and having honest conversations. So next time you feel lost or overwhelmed, remember: you're not alone. And the path you're on might look different from everyone else's—and that's perfectly fine. > "The most meaningful academic careers are built on authenticity, not just achievement." So, what does success look like for you? Maybe it's time to redefine it.