The Unspoken Truths About Building an Academic Career in Entrepreneurship

Jan de Vries · 2026-09-25

What does it really mean to build a successful academic career in entrepreneurship today? It's not just about publishing papers or landing grants. That's the question a small group of dedicated scholars tackled head-on at a recent professional development workshop in Dublin. About 20 participants—PhD researchers, early-career academics, and seasoned professors—gathered at Trinity Business School. They weren't there for dry lectures. They created a genuine space to talk about the messy reality of academic life and dream up what entrepreneurship scholarship could become. ### Rethinking the Straight Path We've all heard the standard script for success. Publish, secure funding, climb the promotion ladder, build your reputation. It sounds so clean on paper, doesn't it? But here's the thing they discovered—for most scholars, that script doesn't match reality. Academic careers don't follow a straight line. They're full of twists, unexpected detours, and moments where you question everything. One participant put it well: "It's less of a ladder and more of a winding trail through the woods. Sometimes you're making great progress, and other times you're just trying to find the path again." The group spent time questioning those conventional narratives. What does success mean to you, personally? Not what the department head says, not what the journal rankings imply. Your definition. ### Navigating the Metrics Maze These conversations happened against a backdrop we all know too well. Performance metrics, publication pressures, and constant institutional expectations. Those tools have their place, sure. But the workshop highlighted a real danger—they can squeeze the life out of what scholarly work should be. They narrow how we define success until it's just a number on a page. There was a powerful emphasis throughout the day on something deeper: - Developing an authentic scholarly identity - Holding onto your core values - Recognizing that a meaningful career can look a hundred different ways ### A Day Designed for Connection The program brilliantly mixed formal talks with hands-on workshops and open, honest conversation. It felt more like a collaborative brainstorm than a conference. The day kicked off with a session on wellbeing and purpose in education. It set a supportive, reflective tone that lasted all day. After coffee and networking, people dove into their first activity—"Through the Looking Glass"—which encouraged everyone to examine their own academic journey. The morning continued with a crucial discussion on gender, equity, and inclusion. It wasn't just about identifying barriers; it was about actively creating more inclusive spaces for everyone. Later, a session called "Playing the GAME" tackled the unspoken rules of academia. You know, those unwritten expectations from institutions, reviewers, and colleagues. The big question was: how do you navigate that system without losing yourself in the process? The afternoon wrapped up with a creative exercise where people shared their hopes, fears, and ambitions for the future. It was raw and real. So, what's the takeaway? Building a career in entrepreneurship academia isn't about checking boxes. It's about finding your own path, staying true to your values, and remembering that the most impactful work often comes from the messy, human parts of the journey we rarely talk about.