Let’s sketch out a scenario. You are in mid-career; you occupy a senior position in an established organisation and your future is bright. You have amassed a large number of useful insights along the way, solving technical problems, dealing with people issues as well as leading teams to deliver exceptional results.
In fact, you have developed processes or solutions that are unique to you. They are not commonplace. You have developed something exceptional and special. And you think to yourself, what can I do to share my experience with others?
And you have considered doing a doctorate, to analyse your experience systematically and critically in a rigorous manner and contribute to the body of knowledge. You like the idea of doing this as a stimulating intellectual endeavour and you see opportunities for your personal growth.
After all, you are committed to lifelong learning. But you are put off by the rigid formalism of a traditional PhD. The demanding emphasis on research methods leaves you cold. It’s so ‘academic’ and you want to share what you know with other business executives, not become a researcher at a university. There is a way for you to achieve your goals.
The Difference Between an Academic Doctorate and a Professional Doctorate
The main difference between an academic doctorate (PhD) and a professional doctorate {such as a DBM] is their focus. A PhD is an academic degree that emphasises original research, data analysis, and theory evaluation. It exists to train young graduates for a life of research at a university.
On the other hand, a professional doctorate is focused on applying research to practical problems, formulating solutions to complex issues, and designing effective professional practices within a specific field. A professional doctorate is for people with a wealth of experience who have no intention of becoming researchers, but who want to contribute to their discipline and the body of knowledge. While both degrees can be valued in academic or professional settings, a PhD is typically more research-oriented and prepares graduates for careers in academia, while a professional doctorate is more practice-oriented and prepares graduates for leadership roles in their field
How Useful is a Professional Doctorate?
Earning a professional doctorate is useful for professionals who want to increase their knowledge in their field to advance their career and salary to the next level and beyond. A professional doctorate sets you apart. You are not a musty researcher; you are addressing a real-world problem in your research.
Professional doctorates are designed for working professionals who have practical experience in their field and want to increase their credibility, leadership, and influence in their profession. The impact of professional doctorates in the workplace can be significant, and several projects undertaken have demonstrated societal, economic, and other benefits. Undertaking a professional doctorate can benefit your career by equipping you to impact your industry, qualify for top-level positions, and earn a higher salary.
In What Fields can I Pursue a Professional Doctorate?
Examples of professional doctorates include a Doctor of Business Management (DBM), such as offered by Regenesys Business School. In other fields you can study for a Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or Doctor of Public Health.
Professional doctorates are designed for experienced professionals who want to translate their industry expertise into a higher position of credibility, leadership, and influence in their profession. These programmes recognise practical work experience and mastery over certain areas, such as business administration or information technology, and the doctoral research focuses primarily on applying existing theories and knowledge to solving real-world problems.
How can a Professional Doctorate Benefit your Career?
Earning a professional doctorate can benefit your career in several ways. Firstly, it will equip you with additional knowledge and skills to impact your industry and solve practical problems faced by professionals working in the field. Secondly, it can qualify you for top-level positions that require exceptional candidates, which can lead to higher salaries and lifetime earnings. Thirdly, it can enhance your credibility, leadership, and influence in your profession, which can open up new career opportunities and increase your earning potential. Finally, it can significantly enhance your resume and career, as professional doctorates and PhD degrees are considered terminal degrees, meaning when you earn either degree, you will have achieved the highest formal degree in the field.
Where Do I Go From Here?
If you have a business track record with something very special to offer, then a doctorate might be just the thing for you. The Doctor of Business Management (DBM) is a shrewd investment in yourself. The Regenesys doctoral programme develops your complex problem-solving capabilities by applying a rigorous scientific research process which contributes to new knowledge in management and leadership.
The Doctorate degree is the ultimate achievement of your lifelong education and learning journey. The DBM qualification is ideal for self-motivated business managers and leaders who have proven themselves in the workplace but seek more intellectual challenges.
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