What comes after a master’s degree? Exploring the DBA pathway

Getting a master’s degree is a big achievement. It shows many years of dedication, self-improvement and a commitment towards professional and personal growth. For many people, getting a master’s degree provides new career opportunities, a leadership position, and expertise in their field. However, after achieving such an accomplishment, one may wonder: What’s next?

In this dynamic world of business, one cannot afford to stand still. Sectors are transforming themselves with the help of technology like artificial intelligence, digitization, globalization, and even work expectations. It is thus imperative for individuals to keep on learning and acquiring new skills to remain competitive in the future.

There isn’t just one path forward

The true fact is that there isn’t a single answer to what comes after completing a master’s degree. The best choice depends on the aspect of what you want to do in your career.

While some might consider getting certified in a particular industry in order to develop more technical expertise or specific skills. Others join executive educational programs to improve their leadership skills. While some decide on earning a second master’s degree in a new and developing field such as data analytics, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence. For someone interested in academia and university-level teaching, a PhD might be the best choice.

But for experienced professionals who want to move up to senior levels of leadership, consultancy, entrepreneurship, or even executive roles but have to continue working simultaneously, obtaining a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) has become a common and popular choice.

Why a DBA is the next strategic move for business leaders

The purpose of a Doctor of Business Administration degree is meant specifically for those seeking solutions to real world problems via research and strategic analysis.

In contrast to the Ph.D., which is oriented towards theoretical research and scholarship, the DBA program highlights applied research. It helps professionals to get a chance to study existing business problems, develop fact-based results, and bring useful changes within their organizations.

Instead of getting away from the corporate world; DBA students continue contributing to it while improving their skills in managing, innovating, and making decisions.

One of the most important reasons for the rising popularity of DBA courses is the convenience and flexibility offered by online learning. The professionals today usually balance demanding careers, family responsibilities, and personal commitments. The online DBA program enables them to get a doctoral degree without pausing their career or moving to another place.

The virtual classes, online mentoring, online libraries, and collaborative learning platforms provide the same academic excellence while offering convenience of studying anytime and anywhere. They also get the chance to immediately use their classroom learning in solving their workplace issues, making the overall experience highly relevant and worthwhile.

Turning experience into expertise

Many practitioners take years developing valuable industry experience. A DBA enables change that experience into structured knowledge and insights. Learners are inspired to research on topics directly related to their industries, such as leadership, digital transformation, innovation, change in organization, sustainability, strategic management and business performance. This practical process helps students come up with research that not only fulfills academic purposes, but also offers a value to their organizations.

Organizations in today’s world need leaders that can understand complexity, handle changes and prepare data-informed solutions. A DBA ensures development of such abilities through improved analytical thinking, problem solving, research skills and strategic leadership. It also strengthens professional credibility through demonstrating a commitment of continuous learning and improvement. Most of the graduates go into fields such as executive leadership, consultancy, board advising, entrepreneurship, training and higher education, which helps expand both their career pathways and influence.

Learning without borders

Another important benefit offered by an online DBA is the opportunity to study among professionals coming from different industries, countries and cultural backgrounds. Such interactions on a global level encourage the exchange of ideas, widen perspectives and help students gain insights into how organizations work within the international environment. The professional networks made during the program often continue to provide value long after graduation.

Think beyond your next promotion

There are several worthwhile paths after a master’s degree, and each one has a specific value and goals. The best choice depends on what your goals are going to be.

In case your goal is to lead organizations, influence business strategies, solve real-world problems, and continue growing while remaining within your profession, an online Doctor of Business Administration program provides the best opportunity to achieve those goals.

(The author is President, Birchwood University)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Ramesh Sinanan

[email protected]