Posted by DBA_Seeker on 08/07/14 11:59pm

• Posted by Thomas Graf on 08/08/14 2:20pm

  Hi there,

  thank you for your questions. First of all: Have you already read my 3-step approach - about how you find DBA programs that meet your interests? I recommend you to read this overview page and then the 3 follow-up sub-pages.

  "Getting into Academia"...
  The first question is what you mean by "getting into Academia". Of course, a DBA may not replace a PhD (which is the degree for becoming a full-time professor). A DBA may allow you, however, to hold guest lectures at a university or publish in academic journals. In general: The more and deeper you want to get into the Academia, the more you need to work on your academic profile. Think about:

  • Which school has a research reputation? The higher its reputation, the more likely a DBA alum from that school may profit from this reputation.
  • Which school can qualify you best in terms of academic qualification? The better you become academically, as expressed for instance in publications, the better your chances to become perceived as an academic.
  • How interesting is your job experience for a university? A friend of mine taught at a university after having done an MBA and having very interesting neurobiology knowledge from his own business – so, even without a DBA he became an “academic” in the sense of teaching. If you want more than just teaching – if you want to become perceived as a real academic, however – you need to do more: a doctoral degree such as the DBA is a good step but publishing on top of that would be even better.

  As for RGU and Liverpool or other schools, which schools will help you more to reach one of the aforementioned goals?

  Both schools have internationally recognized accreditations (e.g., AMBA for the Aberdeen MBA, AACSB for Liverpool) – hence, both schools provide international standards of management education.

  But is this sufficient? I suggest that you analyze the schools according to my 3-step structure, by contacting the schools ("How many of your DBA graduates entered the academia?" ) and by talking to alumni (“How much qualified do you feel academically after the DBA”)?

  A key criterion for your goal to enter the Academia may also be how good the school is in terms of research. Being successful here means that the school has a good reputation and may be able to qualify you well. Now ask yourself: How good are your taret schools in terms of research? Liverpool for example, belongs to the Russell Group...

  “Do all programs require a proposal?”
  Definitely not. Check my Global DBA Survey, page 17 (only 35% require that).

  “are they recognised in the UK industry or Academia”
  A good approach would be to contact the institutions in the UK you want to work for. Why not asking the business schools or companies that are relevant for you? E.g., do they know about your DBA institution outside the UK? Would they accept the degree?

  Best wishes,
  Thomas

  By Thomas Graf
  Founder DBA Compass
  Author of the DBA Survey

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