Why I am Pursing my Doctorate in Business Administration

Transitioning from a consumer of knowledge to a producer of new insights

For ambitious individuals, particularly ambitious professionals, the journey of growth never truly ends. In today’s post, I am sharing one of the hardest personal and professional journeys I have yet to encounter. In doing so, it will give insights into one of the most frequently asked questions I’ve received over the past three years: “What made you want to get your doctorate?”. Depending on the inquirer, this conversation could go down several different paths. At its core, my decision to pursue a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) reflects a lifelong commitment to personal development, intellectual challenge, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in my field and beyond.

By writing this post, I also hope to inspire the next generation of thought leaders and ambitious women to pursue their most audacious dreams, no matter the obstacles in their path. For me, it has been a journey of introspection, growth, and resilience, one that has tested and expanded my capabilities in ways I never imagined. Let’s dive in.

It’s not business. It’s personal.

I’m sure you’re familiar with the cliché, “It’s not personal. It’s business”. The opposite can be said about this decision. I have always been a lifelong learner. Growing up in a small town that is the home of a Historically Black College & University (HBCU), I spent most of my summers attending campus programs. Several programs were academic in nature. They allowed me to learn advanced skills beyond my middle and high school offerings. It was the foundation of my passion for learning, building advanced skills, and my dream of earning the highest degree possible one day. For me, pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) isn’t just a professional goal—it’s deeply personal. Those early experiences at the HBCU showed me the transformative power of education, not just as a tool for career advancement but as a way to elevate communities and inspire change.

Fast-forward a decade or two. My drive to push boundaries, ask deeper questions, and make a meaningful impact only grew as I advanced in my career. Over time, the idea of pursuing a doctorate became more pressing, leading me to research different programs and degree options. I ultimately found that the DBA aligned perfectly with my aspirations, offering a chance to produce new knowledge, drive innovation, and tackle real-world business challenges.

I’ll share more about my personal journey, how I prepared, and juggled it all in future blogs and in an E-Book. Stay tuned.

What is a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)?

People often ask, “What’s the difference between an MBA and a DBA?” Or, more directly, “What is a Doctorate in Business Administration?” These are great questions because understanding the distinctions between these degrees can clarify why someone might pursue the latter. I earned my MBA in 2011 and started my DBA in 2022.

An MBA, or Master of Business Administration, is widely considered the gold standard for business professionals, often viewed as the terminal degree for advancing into leadership roles or expanding career opportunities. However, the DBA doesn’t replace the MBA—it serves an entirely different purpose. While an MBA focuses on equipping professionals with broad managerial skills and practical business knowledge, a DBA goes deeper, emphasizing research, advanced problem-solving, and the creation of new knowledge that can transform industries.

Practitioner Scholarship

Think of it this way, an MBA is about mastering established business practices and applying them effectively, while a DBA is about challenging those practices, asking deeper questions, and developing innovative strategies. My goal is to remain in corporate once my degree is confirmed so that I can continue to drive strategic initiatives while growing into executive levels of leadership. However, my research journey is never-ending as I plan to continue to practice engaged scholarship. I consider myself a practitioner-scholar, like many other DBA degree holders, someone who bridges the gap between academic research and real-world application. This lets me fulfill my dual passions: advancing in leadership and contributing to the ongoing dialogue between research and practice.

In summary, the outcomes between the two degrees are also different. MBA graduates typically advance in managerial and executive leadership. DBA graduates often step into thought leadership positions, becoming consultants, professors, or executives shaping the future of their industries. Both are valuable in their own right. The choice of a DBA depends on your career goals and how you want to contribute to the business world.

From Consumer of Knowledge to Producer of New Insights

The DBA is about depth, focusing on specialized research that informs practice and policy. A key benefit of a DBA is the opportunity to produce new knowledge rather than just consume existing ideas. Unlike degrees that focus solely on applying established concepts, a DBA emphasizes original research and thought leadership. As a DBA candidate, you will the complex challenges facing businesses today, identify gaps in current practices, and create innovative solutions backed by empirical evidence. This focus on generating new insights positions you as an expert who can drive strategic change within organizations and contribute to the broader business community. By producing knowledge that bridges theory and practice, you not only advance your own career but also influence the evolution of industries. This contribution offers tools and strategies for success in an ever-changing world.

Think of an MBA as mastering the “rules of the game” and a DBA as reimagining the game itself. As a DBA graduate, you’re not just consuming knowledge—you’re creating it – Debranetta

Navigating the Transition

Navigating the transition into a doctoral program was both challenging and eye-opening for me. From the very beginning, our professors encouraged us to step outside of our comfort zones and think far more critically about our experiences as leaders and professionals within our industries. It wasn’t just about reflecting on what we’ve done or the skills we’ve developed; it was about examining the “why” and “how” behind our decisions, questioning established norms, and considering the broader implications of our work. This process pushed me to reevaluate my perspectives, confront assumptions I didn’t realize I held, and approach challenges with a more analytical and strategic mindset. It was an intense but rewarding shift. One that completely reshaped the way I view my role as both a leader and a contributor to my field.

Unmatched Growth

I think much faster on my feet. It’s an unexpected personal outcome of this journey. The chances of you catching me off guard are minimal. I’ve always been quick-witted but this is much different. This is an area of growth that I really appreciate. I work in a fast-paced environment. At this point, we all do. This experience has sharpened my ability to analyze and respond to situations more instinctively yet thoughtfully. It’s about having a deeper, more strategic grasp of problems and solutions in real-time. This ability is invaluable in a world where the pace of business is constantly accelerating. Working in a fast-paced environment demands not just quick thinking but also the capacity to make sound decisions under pressure. Moreover, I’ve come to appreciate how this skill has elevated my confidence and effectiveness in both my professional and personal life.

The Journey Continues

Exploring London after presenting my research poster at our Engaged Management Scholarship Conference in the beautiful Henley-on-Thames.

As of this post, I am still on my journey to complete my Doctorate in Business Administration.  I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Two and a half of the three years have gone by incredibly fast. As I plan for 2025, graduation is at the top of my mind.  If I could summarize my experience in 3 bullet points, they would be:

• Intellectual Resilience: Balancing the demands of a rigorous academic program with my professional and personal responsibilities has tested my resilience and strengthened my determination.
• Critical Reflection: My professors have challenged me to think deeply about my leadership experiences, question assumptions, and approach problems with a strategic mindset.
• Forever grateful: I’m beyond grateful to be on this journey and to see my childhood ambitions come to pass. I do not take this blessing lightly. 

As I approach the finish line, I’m grateful for the journey and excited to use what I’ve gained to make a meaningful impact in my career and inspire others to chase their biggest dreams.

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I’m Going Back to School for my Doctorate Degree: Full-time Working Mom

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