After graduation, alumni of the School of Business & Economics have a wide range of career opportunities open to them – including an academic career. This is the path Prof. Dr. Ann-Marie Nienaber chose.

Ann-Marie Nienaber studied Business Administration at the University of Münster and complemented her business profile with further degrees in Art History, Culture, Communication and Management as well as Sociology – an early sign of her strong interdisciplinary interest in the intersections between business, culture, and society. Following her studies, she earned her doctorate at the Chair of Business Administration, in particular Organization, Human Resources, and Innovation, on trust and communication in the introduction of new technologies – a topic that remains the guiding thread of her research to this day.

After completing her PhD, her career initially took on a dual role: alongside her postdoctoral work at the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Münster, she served as the City of Münster’s Commissioner for Science for three years. In this role, she worked at the interface between academia, city administration, and technology and economic development, creating formats to foster exchange between research, innovation, and municipal practice. She then took on an interim professorship at the University of Witten/Herdecke, where she held the Reinhard Mohn Foundation Chair for Business Administration, Business Ethics, and Social Change. Six months later, she moved to the UK to take up a position as Associate Professor at Coventry University. Since 2017, she has been Chair of Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour at the Institute for Peace and Security (formerly the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations). There she initially led the research group “Trust and Workplaces,” which focuses on building and sustaining trust in organizations, particularly in times of change. She also went on to lead the interdisciplinary research group “Communities, Politics and Identities,” where researchers from the social sciences, politics, economics, and cultural studies collaborate to analyze and actively shape processes of social transformation. In October of this year, Prof. Nienaber will move to Technische Universität Braunschweig, where she will establish the Chair of Business Administration, with a particular focus on Business Ethics, and explore, among other things, the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in business.

A central concern of her work is to understand trust as a key resource in organizations and societies – especially in contexts of innovation, sustainability, compliance, and change. Her research builds bridges between theory and practice and is widely recognized not only in academia but also in companies and political institutions. Ann-Marie Nienaber is involved in several Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects across Europe, on topics such as climate-related behavioral change, societal resilience, sustainability governance, and social innovation. Her research is highly transdisciplinary and international – with the aim of developing concrete solutions to pressing societal challenges.

In this interview, she talks about her passion for academia, her journey between practice and theory, and the importance of trust for sustainable management.

Prof. Nienaber, after completing your doctorate, you remained in academia. What appealed to you most about this step?

In fact, my path into academia was not fully mapped out from the start – much of it unfolded step by step. But every time a new opportunity arose, I felt: this excites me! I love the freedom and flexibility that academic work brings – both thematically and methodologically. What particularly appeals to me is that I can pursue questions that are not only theoretically fascinating but also provide real societal value. I don’t just want my research to be present in academic journals, I want it to create tangible impact – in organizations, cities, and politics. The greatest privilege of this career, for me, is being able to collaborate with people from very different disciplines and contexts – worldwide.

What advice would you give to students who would like to pursue a similar career?

Be curious, open, and courageous in following your own path – even if it doesn’t run in a straight line. An academic career is rarely a linear path, and much happens along the way when you spot opportunities and are willing to take responsibility. It’s also important to be genuinely passionate about your topic. Research often requires perseverance, but if you are truly engaged with a question, it never gets boring – on the contrary, it can be deeply fulfilling. And: nurture your networks! Science is teamwork. Engaging with others – across disciplines, internationally, and even beyond academia – opens new perspectives and often new opportunities. Finally: don’t be discouraged if things don’t work out immediately. Careers don’t emerge overnight – but with passion, openness, and a clear stance, you can achieve a great deal.

You have specialized in trust and trust communication, innovation, sustainability, and compliance. What role do these values play for young people, particularly regarding their career prospects?

A major, indeed central, one. Young people today face a working world that is changing rapidly – through digitalization, ecological crises, geopolitical uncertainties, and social upheavals. In such contexts, trust, clear communication, and values-driven action are not “soft skills” but decisive success factors. Trust, for example, is the foundation of any good collaboration – especially in times of uncertainty or change. Those who can build and maintain trust create reliability, stability, and spaces for innovation. This applies in teams, in leadership, but also toward clients, citizens, or partner organizations.
Sustainability and compliance are already self-evident for many young people – they want meaningful work in companies and organizations that take responsibility. This is not only idealistic but also strategically smart for their careers: employers with a future are looking for exactly those talents. And innovation requires both: the courage to change and trust in structures that allow creative thinking. Those who can combine these are well positioned – both professionally and socially. My advice: don’t see these values as “extras” but as core competencies for the future – because that’s exactly what they are.

What changes do you expect in the world of work that are particularly relevant for today’s students?

The future world of work will be more dynamic, networked, and significantly more values-oriented than in the past – and this will have direct implications for today’s students.
On the one hand, technological developments, especially artificial intelligence, automation, and digital platforms, will fundamentally change many professions. It will no longer be just about having knowledge, but above all about understanding complex interconnections, thinking creatively, and acting responsibly. Interdisciplinary thinking, emotional intelligence, and communication skills will gain much greater importance. On the other hand, the very understanding of work is changing. More and more young people are not only asking: “What can I achieve?” but also: “What am I actually working for?” Aspects such as meaning, sustainability, and social contribution are becoming increasingly important – and companies that cannot answer these questions will struggle to attract and retain talent.
At the same time, flexibility is becoming the new norm: hybrid working models, project-based work, and lifelong learning will become standard. The ability to adapt again and again – without losing yourself – will be key. In short: those studying today should not just be prepared for one job, but for an ever-changing world of work, where attitude, values, and the ability to learn are just as important as technical expertise.

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