What They Don't Tell You About Building an Academic Career in Entrepreneurship

Jan de Vries · 2026-09-25

Let's be honest for a minute. Building a career in academia, especially in a dynamic field like entrepreneurship, isn't the straightforward climb they paint it to be. You know the story: publish, get funding, climb the ladder, build your reputation. But for so many scholars, the real journey is messier, more personal, and far more complex. That's exactly what a group of about 20 PhDs, early-career academics, and seasoned professors gathered to unpack at Trinity Business School in Dublin. The ECSB Professional Development Workshop wasn't about handing out a one-size-fits-all manual. Instead, it created a space to question everything—to really ask what a successful, meaningful career looks like when the traditional script doesn't fit. ### The Messy, Non-Linear Path to Success The big takeaway? Academic careers rarely follow a straight line. They're full of peaks, valleys, unexpected detours, and moments where you might feel a bit lost. One day you're celebrating a publication, the next you're questioning your entire direction. And that's okay. The workshop encouraged everyone to embrace that complexity. We're operating in a world obsessed with metrics: publication rankings, impact scores, institutional benchmarks. While they matter, they can also box us into a very narrow definition of what 'success' is supposed to be. The conversations kept circling back to something more important: building an authentic scholarly identity and holding onto your personal values. ### A Day Designed for Real Connection The schedule was built for reflection, not just passive listening. It mixed keynotes with hands-on workshops and open, honest dialogue. - **It started with heart.** Dr. Deirdre McGillicuddy from University College Dublin set the tone with a session on wellbeing and purpose in academia. It was a reminder that self-care isn't a luxury; it's the foundation for doing sustainable, meaningful work. - **Then came the mirror.** An activity called "Through the Looking Glass" had everyone examining their own journeys—the hopes, the stumbles, the quiet aspirations we don't always voice. - **Facing structural realities.** Dr. Briga Hynes from the University of Limerick led a crucial discussion on gender, equity, and inclusion. It wasn't just about identifying barriers but actively brainstorming how to create more supportive environments for everyone. After lunch, Professor Gary Kerr from Atlantic Technological University got everyone thinking about the unspoken rules. His session, "Playing the GAME," was a candid look at the often-hidden expectations from institutions, reviewers, and colleagues. The challenge? Learning to navigate that system without compromising your own compass. The day wrapped up creatively, with participants sharing their hopes and fears for the future out loud. It was a powerful way to cement the day's theme: that our careers are deeply human endeavors. So, what's the bottom line? Building a career as an entrepreneurship scholar isn't about checking boxes on someone else's list. It's about defining your own path, finding your community, and remembering why you started this work in the first place. The future of the field depends on that kind of authentic, resilient scholarship.