For many in higher education, the question lingers: Pursue a doctorate, or dedicate that time and resources elsewhere? It's a decision riddled with individual factors, so there's no one-size-fits-all answer. But if you're grappling with this, consider these key questions to guide your exploration.
Why Climb?
Passion Project: Does learning and/or research inspire you? Do you have a desire to delve into specific areas and contribute original knowledge? If the pursuit itself excites you, it's a strong sign.
Career Ladder: Is a doctorate a requirement or significant advantage in your desired career path? Consider your long-term professional goals and the impact a doctorate could have. Many executive positions in higher education are masters required/doctorate preferred. However, some do require a terminal degree. Reflect on how a doctorate will align with your long-term career aspirations. Whether you aim to move into leadership, research, or policy-making, ensure that this degree is a stepping stone to your desired path.
Personal Growth: Are you driven by intellectual curiosity and continuous learning? A doctorate challenges and expands your knowledge base, fostering personal and professional growth.
Finding the Right Degree, Program, and Institution
Field of Study: Choose a field that not only interests you but also has the potential to impact your career positively. Passion for your subject matter will sustain you through the challenges ahead. For some this may be a traditional education degree (EdD or PhD), for others a JD, an MBA, or a PhD in areas related to education.
Institution and Program Quality: Research the reputation, resources, and support systems of potential programs. The right fit will offer a supportive environment conducive to your success.
Imposter Syndrome: The journey to a doctorate is often marred by the daunting prospect of extensive graduate coursework and the Herculean task of dissertation writing. These milestones can sometimes evoke feelings of imposter syndrome, where doubts cloud our sense of belonging and capability. It's not uncommon to question our qualifications or fear that our true abilities will be found lacking compared to our peers. Combatting these feelings begins with recognizing that imposter syndrome is a shared experience among many in doctoral programs, not a reflection of individual inadequacy. Engaging in open discussions with mentors, faculty, and fellow doctoral candidates can illuminate the universality of these doubts. Strategies to navigate these feelings include setting realistic goals, celebrating your achievements, no matter how small, and reframing failures as opportunities for growth.
Counting the Costs
Time Commitment: A doctorate is a marathon, not a sprint. Be honest about the years it demands and the impact on your current work, personal life, and finances.
Financial Investment: Beyond tuition, consider the financial implications of potentially reduced work hours and other expenses. Scholarships and stipends exist, but be realistic about the costs involved. Can you manage them without jeopardizing your financial stability?
Energy Reserves: Juggling work, study, and personal life requires immense energy. Are your reserves full enough to tackle this demanding journey?
Beyond the Degree
Network & Mentorship: A doctorate program connects you with renowned scholars and peers, creating valuable professional networks and fostering mentorship opportunities.
Research & Innovation: Does contributing to your field through original research fuel your fire? A doctorate equips you with the tools and skills to make a difference.
Publishing Experience: For many, a dissertation can be used to publish one or more research articles. Some positions require that executives have at least some record of academic scholarship.
On a personal note, I waited a decade between completing my masters degree and starting an EdD program, opting for a cost-effective ($19,000) and concise (average 36 months) local executive accelerated program. Viewing each class as a precursor to my dissertation, I focused my assignments on building up research for my dissertation. This strategy enriched my literature review with extensive research from the outset. Leveraging holiday breaks and weekends, I finished and defended my dissertation in 29 months. My doctorate has truly opened doors, and I'm grateful for finding a program that fit my life and fueled my purpose.
In essence, pursuing a doctorate is a profound decision that can enrich your life and career in countless ways. Approach it with a clear understanding of your goals, the demands it entails, and the potential it has to propel you forward. Let this decision be a conscious step towards fulfilling your aspirations.
Remember, this decision is yours alone. Weigh your passion, professional goals, and personal circumstances carefully. Talk to mentors, research opportunities, and explore alternative pathways like fellowships or certifications. Ultimately, choose the path that lets you flourish and contribute meaningfully to higher education, with or without the "Dr." title.
(pictured: Claire in her academic regalia
at UCF Commencement)
(pictured: Claire embracing her friend Geneva Jones,
a Bachelor degree graduate at LSSC Commencement)
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