Many students and working professionals look at an MBA as the peak of business education. After all, an MBA gives you the tools to lead, manage, and grow in the corporate world.
But once you finish your MBA, you may feel there is still more to learn, explore, and achieve. The business world is changing every day with new technologies, global markets, and complex challenges. To stay ahead, some professionals go a step further and choose a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). A DBA after an MBA is not just another degree; it is the highest academic step in business studies. It is designed for professionals who want to grow into senior leaders, researchers, or educators. This program allows you to solve real-world business problems, conduct meaningful research, and position yourself as an expert in your field. If you are asking, “What comes after MBA?” then a DBA might be your answer.
What is a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration)?
DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) is a professional qualification of the highest level in corporate and business administration. It is usually likened to a Ph.D., but the essential distinction is that the former is theory-oriented and the latter is practice-based, as well as real-life applications. In a DBA program, you examine advanced business theories, research methodologies, and leadership strategies. In contrast, traditional research degrees are less focused on applying research directly to business practice. So, the DBA is very suitable for working professionals who want to merge academic knowledge with work experience. Simply put, an MBA equips you with managerial skills, whereas a DBA equips you with the qualities of a business leader and a problem solver.
Why Choose a DBA After an MBA?
If you want to move beyond management skills, then a DBA after an MBA is the perfect next step. Aiding you to the top of leadership, training you to specialise in your area, taking you to the academic world, employing you in solving real-world problems, and giving you recognition as a credible expert with the prestigious “Doctor” title are some of the benefits of doing a DBA after MBA. In the following, we discuss the topic in detail and highlight the main reasons for it.
Benefits of a DBA After an MBA
Studying for a DBA after completing an MBA equips students with not just higher knowledge but career developmental opportunities and leadership roles as well. Moreover, the degree facilitates a career shift towards academic institutions, assists in true business reformation, and provides a strong competitive edge. Consequently, with this terminal degree, one is not just the leading figure of authority but equally accessible to senior managerial positions across the globe. In summary, a DBA after an MBA provides both professional and personal growth.
Eligibility Criteria for DBA After MBA
There are certain eligibility criteria to meet if you want to pursue a DBA after an MBA. One should have a master's degree, like an MBA or an equivalent degree from a well-known university. In the majority of institutions, the program is designed for experienced professionals; hence, they require 3 to 7 years of professional work experience. Besides that, the research proposal or the Statement of Purpose (SOP) that shows the issue of interest and the reason for it might be required from you. Some universities may hold entrance exams or conduct face-to-face interviews to determine your suitability. By meeting these requirements, you are preparing yourself for high-level research work. Requirements that are common in the vast majority of universities to do a DBA after MBA are.
- Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent)
- 3 to 7 years of professional experience
- Research proposal or SOP
- Some may require entrance exams or interviews
Career options available after completing a DBA and MBA
Doing DBA after MBA will come up with different ways to jump to multiple career paths with sturdy financial benefits. Listed are some of the top options.
Research Scholar
The first alternative can be working as a research scholar, where you can help develop a new business concept. In researching and publishing, you achieve the biggest influence on entities applying knowledge and in the academe, growing.
C-Suite Executive (CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, CHRO)
With a DBA, you are prepared to take on top leadership roles such as CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, or CHRO, supported by advanced knowledge and global leadership skills. With first-class instruction and specialised competencies, you become a global industry leader and a team manager for worldwide businesses.
Management Consultant
Consulting is a common path for DBA graduates, where you guide companies in improving their strategies and overcoming challenges. Your considerable practical experience can lead a business to success in the face of today’s challenges.
Startup Founder
If you dream of starting your own company, a DBA gives you the research-based knowledge and skills to build a successful business. In that event, a DBA with a strong background in research gives you all the skills needed to successfully carry through the new, groundbreaking start-up project and lead it in the market as a prosperous and safe business.
Economic or Business Policy Advisor.
DBA graduates are often chosen as policy advisors for governments, international organizations, and NGOs that shape industries and economic policies.
Corporate Researcher
The need of medium and big companies for competent in-house market researchers that infiltrate the various market segments, analyse the figures, consider the long-term trends and finally, recommend future strategies is because of this that research is greatly necessary in such companies. A DBA enables you to do so.
Logistician
As a logistician, you oversee the export and acquisition of the materials related to a product, and the materials that are necessary in the manufacturing of a product through steps from distribution to storage. International communication, trade, and transport require professionals who are able to get on top of the complexities of shipping.
Conomist
Becoming an economist is an option available to you once you have earned your DBA, where you will take upon yourself to analyse market behaviour, make marquee predictions, and share your versatile solutions with governments, companies, and institutions.
FAQ's on DBA After Completing Your MBA
Which degree has better career prospects and salary potential?
When comparing salaries of DBA vs. MBA, the fact is that DBA graduates usually earn more. This is because they are qualified to work in positions of high responsibility, as well as consulting and teaching.
Will I still be called doctor after DBA completion?
Of course, by no means otherwise, one can say that a doctorate of business administration is not the case, so when the doctor of business administration is perfectly completed, you can officially and formally use the "Doctor" title.
What can I learn from a DBA program?
A DBA allows one to acquire the skills of research, criticism, thinking, leadership, and problem-solving, as well as the command of the research area chosen by the individual.
Is a DBA the same as a PhD?
Both are doctoral degrees. A PhD is more theory-driven, whereas the DBA is designed as a practical, industry-focused program. However, from a scientific point of view, both are equally recognised.
Is it mandatory to have work experience before beginning a DBA program after an MBA?
Definitely, the majority of universities require applicants to have a work experience of at least 3-7 years of work experience. This is due to the fact that the DBA programs are intended for people who already have practical knowledge in the business field.
Conclusion
The decision to follow up with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) after completing an MBA is wise and appropriate, considering all the factors. For specialists, this path is a gateway to the higher levels of their leadership career, consulting or academic positions, to be granted this knowledge, research skills, as well as the confidence. Additionally, the DBA degree provides the incumbent with that extra layer of prestige and thus makes one more competitive in the labour market. Your wishes might be to become a member of the executive board, a university professor, a researcher, or a businessperson, but no matter which one, this degree propels you to the destination of your choice. Businesses that operate in such an environment that quickly undergoes changes and the global competition that is fierce, will make the help that a DBA after an MBA gives you, very important. If you were thinking about what your career's next step could be, this is what is called a "perfect move".
