Career Path to Become a Successful Professor in Management and Business Education

Career Path to Become a Successful Professor in Management and Business Education

Becoming a successful professor—especially in the field of management and business education—requires more than academic credentials. It is a journey that blends scholarship, teaching excellence, research impact, and institutional engagement. Whether one aspires to teach in top Indian B-Schools or global universities, a structured career path and continuous growth are essential to academic success.

Here’s a roadmap to becoming a thriving professor in the domain of management:

1. Academic Qualifications: The Foundation

The journey typically begins with a postgraduate degree such as an MBA, M.Com, or MA in economics, followed by a Ph.D. in management or a related discipline (e.g., finance, marketing, HR, economics, operations, or strategy). A doctoral degree is not only a UGC requirement for teaching positions in Indian universities but also a gateway to original research and peer-reviewed publications.

Many aspiring scholars also pursue FPM (Fellow Programme in Management) from top institutes like IIMs, or international PhDs with strong research components.

2. Research Publications and Academic Writing

Success in academia heavily relies on research output. Publishing in Scopus, ABDC, or UGC-CARE-listed journals helps build credibility and visibility. A strong record of publications in top-tier journals demonstrates subject mastery, research rigor, and thought leadership.

Early-career researchers should focus on:

Developing a niche research area (e.g., ESG, digital marketing, corporate governance)

Collaborating with experienced mentors

Presenting papers at conferences and publishing book chapters

3. Teaching Excellence and Pedagogical Innovation

A successful professor is also an effective teacher. This involves:

Designing engaging, outcome-based curricula

Using case methods, simulations, and industry projects

Adapting to digital tools like MOOCs, Replit, Miro, or AI-powered LMS

Obtaining student feedback, participating in Faculty Development Programs (FDPs), and constantly updating teaching techniques are crucial to remaining relevant and impactful.

4. Institutional Involvement and Leadership Roles

Professors play a key role in shaping institutional culture and strategy. Over time, successful faculty members take on responsibilities such as:

Area Chair or Program Director roles

Leading accreditations (NBA, AACSB)

Coordinating placements, admissions, or research centers

These contributions are vital for promotions and establishing one’s influence within and beyond the institution.

5. Global Exposure and Networking

Participation in international conferences, visiting scholar programs, or academic exchanges helps broaden one’s perspective. Collaborations with international scholars can lead to joint research, funding opportunities, and increased visibility in the global academic community.

6. Continuous Learning and Mentorship

Academic success is a lifelong pursuit. The best professors continually upgrade their skills—whether in research methods, publishing ethics, or emerging business trends. They also mentor students, guide doctoral scholars, and contribute to knowledge dissemination through blogs, podcasts, and industry interactions.

Becoming a successful professor is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires a blend of intellectual curiosity, teaching passion, publishing discipline, and institutional contribution. For those committed to this path, academia offers a rewarding career filled with influence, autonomy, and impact—both inside and outside the