Patrick ConnallyEngagement Director| TeradataPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Seeking to engage with those who are considering, or who have obtained, a PhD / DBA in project management. Would love to learn more about the process, and paths once the degree is obtained.
I am newly graduated from MBA degree 2017. I want to be a Project Management/management position , but it requires many years of experience. thinking about certificates and look for a new job as I am desperate, looking for a better income to cover educational loan. Anybody has any suggestion/recommendation for me. please reply...
Project management doesn't require many years of experience, it only requires your passion and interest, and a project to work on. Of course there are many skill levels for project managers, but we all have to start somewhere. You already have a great start with the MBA. You would understand management, leadership, budgets, communication and stakeholder engagement, so crucial in project management. If you have no PM experience before, then try and get yourself onto any project you can within whatever job role you have or will have. You could be a project team member, or a resource on a project, either way exposure to projects will give you the experience you need. Saving Changes...
John FarlikProgram & Project Management| SPX FLOWWaxhaw, Nc, United States
Oct 25, 2017 8:52 PM
Replying to Hong Li
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You are a college prof. I would like your advise from you. what could I done to move up my career.
Hong Li,
Good question. Here are a couple ideas for your to consider.
1. Above all else, try to help people and deliver value. I have tried to "move up" by thinking of myself & it never works. When I truly give up & just try to help others I end up in a better place. That place may not be a new position or more money right away, but when I look back on my professional life there has always been that correlation.
2. If you aren't certified with a CAPM, PMP or ACP yet I would start a roadmap down that road. Those that say these certifications don't matter probably don't have one. The knowledge you gain, the people you meet and the job boards you can apply to all exponentially increase.
3. Network with local PMI chapters, business partners and associates. The best way to network in my experience is to see how you can help others in their businesses. Showing value to someone is the best way for them to recognize that the "future you" is greater than the "current you".
4. Be different, but be yourself. We all have to find out how to leverage our unique gifts to make a difference & be heard above the noise of the world. You'll know what it is for you when you find it. Sometimes I find it, lose it, then find it again. Be open to new ideas and take what works for you, discard the rest.
I hope these help
jtf Saving Changes...
John FarlikProgram & Project Management| SPX FLOWWaxhaw, Nc, United States
Oct 25, 2017 5:51 PM
Replying to Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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Thanks for the great input John. I am doing a second masters at the moment and just enrolled in a third which I will complete at the end of 2018. Any DBA of PhD aspirations for me will have to wait until 2019. I have been getting 4-5 hours sleep since I was in my teems. That's what insomnia does for you. It might help with the study load ;-)
Best of luck on your future goals Sante Vergini. Sounds like you are already on a successful path!
jtf Saving Changes...
Albert PonsteenCo-Founder at Epicflow & PhD candidate in Multi-project Management| Epicflow.com - Web-Based Project Management Tool Leusden, Nederland, Netherlands
I'm in the middle of the PhD process. My subject is about using local knowledge of your employees in the resource allocation process in a multi-project management setting. I love to wrap my brains around it, but it requires a very strong motivation and dedication. What it will bring you is deep insight in the subject that you are interested in. Become world-class in the area you love and help the PM community forwards instead of being a follower. People who consult you will recognise and appreciatie this. You will be a great partner for them. Saving Changes...
Anh LucciOperations Coordinator| Liberty Healthcare CooperationPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Sep 13, 2017 4:11 PM
Replying to Patrick Connally
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Thanks for the responses everyone. I can tell everyone I haven't found a lot of PhD Project Management programs, but I did find one at Drexel University. THey do full, and part time, but I don't think virtual is on the table. I'm also considering a PhD in Organizational Leadership or Organizational Development. I think those degrees give a wider breadth an options for consulting and academia vs. Project Management. I would still like to study and incorporate Project Management into study, but that's all TBD.
Hi Patrick, not sure if you have contacted Drexel University for their PHD in PM program or not. I have, and they told me it's an online program. Hope this helps! Saving Changes...
Jim Sass, BusD.Principal Consultant| Principal Consultant, USfalcon, Inc.Charleston, Sc, United States
Sep 07, 2017 10:40 AM
Replying to Aaron Porter
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I'm considering a DBA. If I were to start this year, I would be stuck deciding between Project Management and Strategy/Innovation.
As things are, it will probably be a few years before I pursue a DBA, and by then there could be new specializations that are more relevant to my career objectives.
I see getting a DBA as part of a progression toward publishing and consulting. I've considered becoming an adjunct, as well, in addition to my full time job. I don't see consulting or teaching happening until my youngest is closer to moving out. I lost enough time with my family getting to where I am now.
Another factor about getting a PhD/DBA that I am curious about is the impact of getting it from a big name school. Getting a DBA plays into a potential career path, but does getting it from a big name school provide a good ROI?
Aaron -- If you want to teach, go with the better school. As for a field of study, the "Strategy & Innovation" focus will net you a better job and make you a better sell for a teaching position. Good luck!
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1 reply by Aaron Porter
Jan 25, 2018 1:15 PM
Aaron Porter
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I'm starting to lean more towards a PhD. I'm probably 3+ years away from starting. Strategy and Innovation will likely still be relevant, but there could be something new that is a better fit, by then. Teaching is a longer term objective. I could be an adjunct, now. If I knew that I wanted to teach at a university, in 15 years or so, I'd be firm on the PhD.
Aaron -- If you want to teach, go with the better school. As for a field of study, the "Strategy & Innovation" focus will net you a better job and make you a better sell for a teaching position. Good luck!
I'm starting to lean more towards a PhD. I'm probably 3+ years away from starting. Strategy and Innovation will likely still be relevant, but there could be something new that is a better fit, by then. Teaching is a longer term objective. I could be an adjunct, now. If I knew that I wanted to teach at a university, in 15 years or so, I'd be firm on the PhD. Saving Changes...
The PhD and DBA's are mostly free here in Australia, funded by the government. I considered doing one in the UK (online) but will focus in my home country now that I have confirmed the higher research degrees are basically free. Saving Changes...
Anna MazurProject Portfolio Management Expert| GSW, Poland
Hi Patrick,
I have completed a PhD programme and Im now in the middle of a research project that will soon transform into the final dissertation. The programme was 4 years and Im now a graduate of the programme but not a doctor yet. I feel I could tell you a lot about the experience, from both sides, the brighter and the darker one, but if you are interested in the proccess itself because you are considering taking this path for employment reasons, then my very general "wisdom" would be that it doesn't make looking for a job easier, quite the contrary. If you have any specific questions, Im ready to answer them.
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