Aqeel Awan is a PhD candidate in organisational behaviour at the London School of Economics. His research uses qualitative methods to explore how precarity influences workers’ meaning making and identity (at) work, and how the constructed meanings and identities allow them to engage with work productively. Aqeel is conducting research with fisher folk of Karachi, Pakistan. His research won the Carolyn B. Dexter award at the 83rd Academy of Management meeting in Boston, USA, in 2023.

Aqeel is also exploring (current and former) entrepreneurs’ relation with precarity in two ways: firstly, how pre-entrepreneurial work and non-work precarity’s influence on meaning-making and identity work plays a role in developing a productive orientation towards entrepreneurial precarity, and secondly, how former entrepreneurs who quit entrepreneurship due to its precarious challenges and join organisational employment indulge in meaning making.

Previously, Aqeel has conducted research on the working lives of a gender diverse community from Pakistan. This research has been published in Human Relations and Gender, Work and Organization.  

Prior to joining LSE, Aqeel received an MPhil in development studies and bachelor’s degree in economics and politics. He has also won several competitive scholarships and awards throughout his educational journey, including fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, masters and PhD, and a gold medal in MPhil. Before joining PhD, Aqeel worked in the development sector for several years.