To Be or Not To Be?

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To Be or Not To Be? [#permalink]

18 Apr 2008, 10:24

Hello,

Here is my dilemma. I'm interested in obtaining a Phd in Management/Information Systems from an international university such as McGill or Univ of Toronto. The reason I want to obtain a Phd is to possibly fast track to VP or Director level at a major consulting company. My background includes BBA in Finance from a regional university in Texas (Summa Cum Laude), MBA from Houston Baptist University, 11 years of management and technology consulting (primarily large enterprise level business intelligence/data warehousing projects) at BearingPoint/KPMG Consulting, SAIC, several boutiques and several years in the high tech sector at NetIQ (now Attachmate). My recent job role is Architect/Project Manager. My professional designations include PMP certification and several BI software cerftifications. Additionally, I'm of Korean descent, born in Seoul and am fluent in the language. My current annual salary is $150k. Taking into account all those factors, does it make sense for me to pursue a Phd or even a Masters in Mgt from a global top 100 program to potentially 'fast-track' to an executive level or does the ROI make it not a worthwhile option? Any insight or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

AJ

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Re: To Be or Not To Be? [#permalink]

19 Apr 2008, 05:56

No, it doesn't make sense for you to do a PhD. In fact, it is likely to be a slow-track way of achieving what you want. It will take you a few years, and it would not be financially rewarding during your study. In addition, post-PhD, you may not even get as much as what you are getting now. And no top schools would want to accept you if they ever know that you are aiming to be a VP than a AP (Assistant Professor) immediately after your studies.

Actually, given your background, I don't think it is the lack of degree that is stopping you from getting what you want. I can't speak of your competency, but perhaps it is the lack of opportunities, being at the wrong place, or doing the wrong thing? Maybe speaking to career "counselors" may be useful?

In any case, if you are thinking of get another degree, you may want to consider the ISM Master at Heinz School in CMU. I heard it has good reputation and placement records. However, note that the highest salary for 2007 placement is $100k - which is not bad by itself, but comparing to what you are getting now....
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Re: To Be or Not To Be? [#permalink]

19 Apr 2008, 18:31

thank you for the advice....thinking about it some more, i may benefit from additional project management type training or certifications and also executive leadership programs that universities offer....at most, maybe MS in Technology Mgmt....i do appreciate your feedback as it's always good to solicit feedback from like-minded individuals...AJ

Re: To Be or Not To Be? [#permalink] 19 Apr 2008, 18:31

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To Be or Not To Be?

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