We interview six DBA alumni who share their experience on how they decided to pursue a doctoral degree.
How did you search for a program? What criteria was important to you? What questions did you have?
«I was interested in a program that was flexible, that would allow me to create a model and apply it in the corporate world.» - Maria Frangieh, DBA 2016 Graduate
«Based on school reputation and rankings. The most important criteria were the marketability of the degree and quality of the program.» - Dimitrios Hatjidis, DBA 2014 Graduate
«I was looking for an opportunity to make a career shift from corporate to academia, and a doctorate program seemed to be a mandatory path to follow. A top reputed school, with a proved program for professionals in business. I was also looking to solve a business question related to my activity on investment in financial markets using academic research.» - Fabio De Castro, DBA 2014 Graduate
«In the summer 2012, I discovered GEM at a conference. I learned that GEM was triple accredited and one of the top 10 DBA programs globally. So, I became interested and registered for the upcoming DBA webinar.» - Ahmed Elsayed, DBA 2021 Graduate
«The most important criteria was the ranking of the institute and the accreditations of the doctoral program. The sessions were very nicely designed whereby I was able to fit in these academic sessions within my hectic professional and personal commitments. » - Ashutosh Pradhan, DBA 2020 Graduate
«The triple accreditation of GEM, the rank among the best French and European schools, the level of education.» - Cynthia Jabbour, DBA 2018 Graduate
Were you given advice? If so, what were you advised?
«I contacted two DBA students who had similar projects as mine. The advice was very positive, but I was also advised to think about the long-term efforts and commitment expected to achieve a DBA before starting. It represented a serious personal and financial engagement. - Fabio De Castro, DBA 2014 Graduate
«My colleagues at the university recommended the DBA program at GEM.» - Maria Frangieh, DBA 2016 Graduate
«General advice was given to me about my topic and the issues related to it during my visit to GEM to check out the school before my application.» - Dimitrios Hatjidis, DBA 2014 Graduate
«There were two most memorable experiences in the DBA journey. The first was writing my research proposal and the advice and guidance received by the team. Secondly, the discussions with my supervisor during the second phase led to improvements in my quantitative model.» - Ashutosh Pradhan, DBA 2020 Graduate
«I was given advice by GEM DBA graduates.» - Cynthia Jabbour, DBA 2018 Graduate
How did you talk about it with your family or colleagues?
«I shared my plans with my spouse and family, and received a full support.» - Fabio De Castro, DBA 2014 Graduate
«I explained my interested in pursuing my doctoral studies and the fact that I was looking for a flexible program because I am working already and that would allow me to create a model and expand my business.» - Maria Frangieh, DBA 2016 Graduate
«For self-development and achievement.» - Cynthia Jabbour, DBA 2018 Graduate
«I belong to a family of academicians. My late father and my mother both have a PhD and teach Sociology at university and my wife has a degree in medicine.» - Ashutosh Pradhan, DBA 2020 Graduate
«Very enthusiastic and committed to this cause. After my visit to GEM I was sure about my choice and the potential of program.» - Dimitrios Hatjidis, DBA 2014 Graduate
«I always tell them that I am so proud of being an alumnus of this great educational organization.» - Ahmed Elsayed, DBA 2021 Graduate
How has your DBA degree or acquired skills impacted your career?
«Greatly, and I gained the respect, trust, and confidence of the people with whom I work.» - Ahmed Elsayed, DBA 2021 Graduate
«The DBA qualification has given me more credibility within professional and academic circles. I am now using the same methodology to collect and analyze data within my organization to find answers to different business problems.» - Ashutosh Pradhan, DBA 2020 Graduate
«Research and more systematic thinking. It boosted my teaching career specifically in the research methodology. In addition to opportunities on both academic and managerial levels.» - Cynthia Jabbour, DBA 2018 Graduate
«Big career change from consulting to academia. Positive impact for sure and challenging job offers abroad.» - Dimitrios Hatjidis, DBA 2014 Graduate
«Thanks to the DBA degree, I had the opportunity to fully achieve my new professional goals. I am currently an affiliate professor at GEM and adjunct professor at Webster University, Geneva.» - Fabio De Castro, DBA 2014 Graduate
«It allowed me to enhance my company profile, offer new services and trainings, and have access to new opportunities. It still gives me many privileges especially today with the need for Web technologies and knowledge sharing which was the topic of my research.» - Maria Frangieh, DBA 2016 Graduate
Other thoughts?
«I am proudly part of a whole network.» - Cynthia Jabbour, DBA 2018 Graduate
«The DBA degree opened and continues opening the doors for academic opportunities. I enjoy teaching in different countries and to a large diversity of students from different parts of the world: France, Switzerland, Singapore and New York.» - Fabio De Castro, DBA 2014 Graduate
«Helped me to develop certain skills and personality.» - Dimitrios Hatjidis, DBA 2014 Graduate
«Apart from being a prestigious program, the GEM DBA gives the participants a platform to interact with business practitioners from different parts of the globe. In these networking and discussion forums we get an opportunity to look at business problems from different lenses which is a true value add.» - Ashutosh Pradhan, DBA 2020 Graduate
- DBA
