After studying in Germany and the USA, and working in the UK, Marina has just completed her doctoral studies here at LUSEM.
Her thesis lies at the intersection of entrepreneurship, applied ethics, and psychology.
"Across four studies, I investigate how ethics manifests in entrepreneurship. Specifically, I set out to explain why and how entrepreneurial decision-makers (e.g., firm founders) act more, or less, ethically. For instance, entrepreneurs often face conflicting and irreconcilable understandings of what is "the right thing to do," and depending on how they interpret and prioritize these perspectives, they might violate their own moral compass on occasion. Because interpretation can be subconscious, however, individuals might continue to act unethically without knowing it. My dissertation explores such cognitive processes that drive (un)ethical entrepreneurial action," says Marina Vorhlzer.
What has it been like to be a PhD student at LUSEM?
"To be a bit poetic, the Ph.D. is a lot like a maze with hidden pathways, moving walls, and a lot of uncertainty. Sometimes you hit dead-ends and need to pivot, which can be frustrating. The good news is that how far you go and how much you take away depends on your own choices and on the people you turn to for support. I've had the immense privilege to work with fantastic advisors and co-authors, and go through ups and downs with close friends in the program and at other universities. To stick with the metaphor, I found my way out of the maze and, looking back, I had a great time getting lost in it," Marina reflects .
What are your plans after the dissertation, and do you have any advice for those just starting their PhD journey?
"As a first stop, I am moving to Munich for half a year as a postdoctoral researcher with the Technical University of Munich, where my research will be embedded in the cluster of excellence on transformative technologies and societal change. Later this year, I will start a research-focused position as Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship with emlyon business school in France.
The best piece of advice I received is that the Ph.D. (much like an academic career afterwards) is what you make of it. You have an enormous amount of autonomy and authority over your journey. Study something you're curious about, seek support from people you like, get to know the academic community beyond the school, and keep in mind there are two products at the end of a Ph.D.: your thesis and you as a scholar," says Marina Vorholzer in closing.