TLDR: I found a difference between these two senses of academic achievement when looking back at oneself's work:
1. (Idealized) "I/we did a great job solving that important problem."
2. (Current Academia?) "Phew! I/we finally scored another paper at [top venue]." ("And I can now graduate / get a tenure / [something academic career related].")
1. (Idealized) "I/we did a great job solving that important problem."
2. (Current Academia?) "Phew! I/we finally scored another paper at [top venue]." ("And I can now graduate / get a tenure / [something academic career related].")