PhD After MBA: Is It a Good Idea?

Deciding to pursue a PhD after completing an MBA is a big step. It’s a path less traveled, blending business acumen with academic research.

This decision depends on your career goals, academic interests, and the value you want from further education.

There are several factors you should consider when deciding on whether you want to do a PhD after an MBA.

Aligning Career Goals

Going for a PhD after your MBA can really pay off if it fits with your career plans.

For instance, if you’re dreaming of becoming a professor or a researcher in the business world, then a PhD provides the gateway into academic circles.

For fields like biotech and finance that greatly value research rigor and analytical depth, doctoral immersion distinguishes your expertise.

Additionally, in consulting or policy domains, the credibility boost of an advanced degree can establish you as an insightful solutions leader.

The Value of Dual Expertise

Blending hands-on business savvy gained from an MBA with the research intensity of a PhD can potentiate your impact.

Consider it this way – an MBA furnishes real-world management, strategy, and leadership competencies. Pairing that with doctoral-level mastery signifies business comprehension and the skills to probe assumptions, untangle complex problems, and conceive novel solutions.

You develop street smarts from your MBA experience and book smarts from your PhD rigor. This versatile skill set holds utility whether in the boardroom or laboratory.

Rather than following the herd, you can shake up the status quo with fresh, informed, and creative ideas that disrupt.

Considerations Before Committing

• Can I commit 3-5 years and handle the costs of PhD? It’s a big time and money investment.
• Am I okay with hitting pause on my career for a bit? It could disrupt job progress.
• How will I balance PhD demands with my personal life? It could take a toll.
• Does getting “Dr.” align with my future job goals? Make sure there’s a match.

You must consider these factors before making a career move.

The Road to a PhD Post-MBA:

If you’ve got your MBA and are now considering “going for the doc,” the broader steps ahead are simple.

First, pick a research area that gets you pumped based on your MBA learnings. If you need help with this, consider career counseling.

Next, find a program that respects the real-world insight you already have.

Then get prepped for entrance exams and admissions — brush up on prerequisites to set yourself up for success.

Final Thoughts

Choosing to do a PhD after your MBA isn’t the usual route, but it could be a great move for you, depending on what you’re aiming for.

It’s like mixing your business savvy with some serious research muscle.

If this is the path you’re thinking about, it’s a smart idea to chat with some overseas education consultants. They can give you advice tailored just for you, assisting in figuring out if this is the right step in your education and career.