Dr Neetu Sharma is a Lecturer in International Business at Salford Business School. After taking a career break to raise her family, Neetu returned to education and discovered a passion for academia that has shaped her work ever since. Her teaching and research are rooted in sustainability, inclusion and global perspectives, and her experiences reflects the supportive and flexible environment at the University of Salford.
How did you get into academia as a career path?
After a career break to raise my children, I decided to begin my second innings from scratch by enrolling in an MSc in Management with International Business at the University of Huddersfield. To my pleasant surprise, I graduated with distinction and was awarded a full fee-waiver scholarship for my PhD.
This experience helped me quickly realise my passion for academia, and I have continued my journey in the academic field ever since.
Why did you choose to work at the University of Salford?
Through my network of colleagues and professionals, I consistently heard positive feedback about the University of Salford – particularly its multicultural community, vibrant location, strong industry links and employability-focused teaching.
I also felt that teaching at the University would give me the right exposure and opportunities to explore whether I wanted to pursue a teaching and learning, enterprise or research pathway as an early career researcher. After three years at Salford, I am confident that joining the University was the right decision.
What’s the best thing about being an academic at Salford?
As a woman academic from a minority ethnic background, balancing a full-time role alongside caring for three young children, I genuinely value the supportive and nurturing environment at the University of Salford. The University’s strong commitment to work–life balance and flexible hybrid working has made a real difference to me, both professionally and personally.
I also truly enjoy being part of such a diverse community of staff and students, and working in an environment where inclusion is not just encouraged but actively lived.
Can you tell us about any of your career highlights to-date?
Teaching has always been at the heart of my work, and there is nothing more rewarding than receiving positive feedback from my students.
Alongside teaching, I’ve found working on international research projects equally fulfilling. I enjoy collaborating with academics from diverse backgrounds, countries and institutions. Recently, I contributed to a funding application with researchers from four different higher education institutions across four countries, and I also co-authored a book titled Indian Knowledge System: Ancient Wisdom of India.
Being part of international collaborations is incredibly enriching. It broadens my perspective and challenges me in new ways, even though coordinating across different work environments and time zones can be demanding.
What’s your current research focused on?
My research interests include sustainability accounting, the circular economy, corporate governance and board gender diversity.
Most recently, I collaborated with colleagues at the University of Salford on a research project exploring the integration of artificial intelligence and sustainability in business curricula, with a focus on national cultural differences across higher education institutions.
Do you have any published papers we can read?
Over the past five years, I have published several research articles in peer-reviewed journals, including:
- Impact of Financial Development on the Circular Economy: Empirical Evidence from the European Union. Business Strategy and the Environment, 35(1), 251–263. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.70168
- Influences of country-level factors on corporate governance adherence: an analysis of multinational corporations’ subsidiaries in India. Corporate Governance (Bradford), 25(7), 1503–1528. https://doi.org/10.1108/CG-03-2024-0131
- The impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on renewable and non-renewable energy in Bangladesh: does the global climate change emergencies required? International Journal of Emergency Services, 11(3), 409–421. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJES-12-2021-0083
And finally, the all-important question, where in Manchester or Salford is best to grab a coffee?
Even though I’m a tea person at heart, I really enjoy going out for coffee with colleagues from time to time. My favourite spot is the Old Fire Station Bakery, just across the road from the Maxwell Building where I work.
I love the lively, bustling atmosphere, and how the café embraces local and sustainable practices.