Becoming a University President: An Accidental Meritocratic Career Trajectory

Abstract Achieving top leadership positions is a career goal for many, including those in academia. Despite the increasing size and importance of the higher education sector, the literature on university presidents' careers remains scarce. We interviewed 48 university presidents in three academic models (UK, France, and Vietnam) to identify the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of their career trajectories. Whilst the academic career model reflects characteristics of ‘new careers’, our findings support and expand several career theories. We identified a multi‐stage career trajectory, where progression to the next stage is contingent on meeting certain requirements. It is only from having achieved prior levels that the move to an executive leadership role becomes a consideration. Progress is largely informal, partly ‘accidental’, and sponsored by existing leadership and/or other colleagues. Furthermore, we observed similarities and differences in the enablers and barriers across national systems. Finally, we reveal the almost complete lack of the involvement of human resource management in the process, providing implications for those responsible for people management in universities.