Phd, DBa or MBA?
 

Hi all, would like your advice on this. My company is giving me a generous education grant annually and I am considering to pursue a part time PhD, DBA or MBA. A potential consideration is to transit into the education sector in a couple of years after I am done with my consulting role. Any help, advice or framework to use and consider for making this decision will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

If you want to teach later, a PhD or DBA would be nice, as you will be addressed as Dr so-and-so giving people a sense of credibility. Though it will be hard to get into the big 3 universities here (soon big 4) because they are extremely selective (and very rich too), you should have no problems getting into UniSIM or at the least the 4 polytechnics (see interview with NMP Paulin Tay Straughan; her husband is a maths PhD teaching in Singapore Polytechnic).

However, if you want to do management in education, then an MBA may be a better choice. It's much easier to obtain than PhD and DBA and in my opinion offers more value in your future management work.

Hope this helps. May I know which industry are you in now?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and yes they are greatly appreciated. Yes I think I will be teaching later; I observed a number of people with DBA teaching in SMU but only PhD in NTU and NUS, perhaps PhD is more credible then if we want to teach and publish papers?

I don't mind teaching in private institutions or the polytechnics if it gives me great satisfaction; I am looking at work life balance and I do believe that will help a fair bit if I were to stay in Singapore and not move to Australia.

Management in education; that's an interesting thought! I have always thought that doing MBA is more for learning the frameworks and more important, getting into the right networks where the majority of the people are executive or at least managerial levels. Another reason why one might do an MBA is to move from one industry to another.

I am in the IT industry; enjoying my life as a consultant now with loads of travel and the opportunity to work with some really fascinating and smart companies.

I need some advice on MBA. I am a engineering graduated but i do technical IT for over 13yrs already. Recently due to some unforeseen circumstances, i lost my job. I am now thinking of doing a 1yr MBA course in SG. But i have this question as of how an MBA + IT work experience can land me a managerial job since i browse most of the managerial post doesn’t state to need MBA, its more like they need work experience. So is MBA helpful in getting a managerial job? if i don’t mind getting less than US$100k since my last job doesn’t pay anywhere near that sum. Thanks in adv for any advice given.

If you want to do MBA, get into a good programme. The Insead one is good. Most of the people I know found good jobs after graduating.

Long march.
 

Hi, testing.

Long march.
 

Hi,

I am in the Tier-1 IT firm. In my immediate team, there are several Masters (e.g.: MBA) holders. Without going into too much details, I will suggest you consider doing your Doctorate (be it PhD or DBA) if it fits into your overall scheme/plan.

Do bear in mind (try to read/search the average pay) of Prof (Academia) in your desired field. From my limited research, the local (SG) salary for the Adjunct ("Temp"/Relief) Prof (Note: 'entry level') is barely S$100K. [Do note and find the assumptions commonly associated]. If you are in IT long enough, you ought to know how 'attractive' S$100K is valued. [As for moving ahead and being 'Dean', generally from the 'comments' published, yes you can, provided your sterling qualifications + experience + publications (Tier 1 journals etc etc).] In short => Be realistic (The general perception is ~S$160K, or the equivalent of a typical GM pay in a sizable firm).

The focus in academia field is towards 'commercialisation'. Thus, if you are well connected in the field/industry and can serve as bridge/link the Uni/Poly to the commercial 'projects'/consultancy service to bring in revenue/exposure/student placement, then yes, you stand a good chance. [Especially, if you know so-and-so, and can serve to meet the organisation needs and offerings/alignment. Tangible benefits. Measureble.]

In summary, what I had written above was from my "mini research". Similar to yourself, I am in the IT field, but I am completing my Doctorate. Hopefully. *sigh*.......long and lonely journey. On a personal note: Do check with your family before committing on the PhD/DBA/MBA program. Their buy-in/support is VERY important. Missing many family outings/key events. Shall not scare you. ;)

Rgds,
Lone Ranger.

Congrats and do press on Long March! Almost there! =)

I am indeed keen on picking up a DBA, and am considering that which is provided by MBS at the present moment. Can you share which DBA/PhD you are working on? I wonder if there are any other good part-time alternatives in Singapore.

I spoke to an academic in NUS and strange as it may sound, it was put forth that they were more interested in advancing theories and refuting established ones rather than finding on ways to commercialize ideas, which I am more keen on. More "academic" rather than "practical" if I may say.

It's a fulfilling job I must say, and you do get work life balance, since life in academia is never as hertic as life in corporate, especially if you are chasing one project after another in IT. If you truly enjoy your field of work and want to be sorrounded by books, researches and opportunities to play with toys.

But as a reality check, how much are you expecting these educational institute to pay?

100k common in the industry, like what another guy here said, but people don't usually get close to that amount in academia unless you are at the assoc. prof level. And that comes after years of slogging for the PHD and after that, as a research fellow, as an asst. prof. and more.

Thanks for this! I understand that you start really small on pay (~50k) and it does get progressively better with time as you publish more papers and get more recognition and promotion.

Indeed, it is a huge sacrifice for work life balance. Guess for me right now is to make hay while the sun shines and enjoy my corporate lifestyle, while waiting for my stock options to skyrocket and doing my doctorate before seeking my passion for teaching and transferring knowledge =)