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Question

Hello,

Here is my dilemma. I'm 34 years old. 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? Also, what are the chances of acceptance? Any insight or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

AJ

aaudetat · Answer

Yikes - I am not sure how much help we can be. Most of us are MBA applicants or current bschool students, so won't know a ton about what you're shooting for.

My advice would be to talk to some folks who are where you want to be. it sounds like you've got industry connections; use 'em. There's nothing more flattering than "tell me how to be like you."

bb · Answer

Well said. I will actually be stupid enough to give you some advice, though I am out of my league here. Thank you for your trust - looks like you have given us quite a few details. Most folks are not very comfortable devulging personal info, work experience, or esp. how much they make. Then they ask for help and everybody just scratches their head and shoots in the sky. (sorry for the tangent). Frankly - I don't know a lot of folks who are constrained by a lack of a PhD. I would actually be bold enough to assume that few are with exception of a few industries, esp. those heavily related to R&D. Some companies definitely encourage PhD's such as Microsoft and Google - they love them and that could be one possible ROI for your equation. However, if you are planning to stay where you are, only you can know how much your PhD will be worth. Does everyone in the Exec team have a PhD? If Yes, then there is your answer, if it is just some, then does it help them? (You can ask them probably at lunch - just tell them that you are considering applying for a PhD and see what thy think - most people admire such character). If nobody does, or very few, then getting a PhD maybe a weakness/negative as you will be positioned as the "smartest" with the most education, and nobody likes those people. (oops :shock:

) On the other hand, can you get a PhD part time? (Sorry I am not that well aware of this one). If you have to dedicate a lot of time to the degree, you may have to pass up some potential opportunities at work - business trips, accounts, etc. By the time you graduate, you will be 38+. You can definitely go teach, though again business world is not always receptive to this, esp the executive positions - you really need management skills rather than technical acumen. I have a friend, who is older and is high up at Boeing managing very large projects and he is barely using any of his education today - he is mostly managing the process and coaching his direct reports - very little time to get involved in the details and that's not what he's paid for anyway. Just as well, I am a consultant and nobody really gives a flip that I have an MBA - I am worth as much as the work I do. It is nice to show my degrees on a resume, but once I am past that stage, it is all about the skills and teamwork. Hope this helps - these are just wild guesses - I hope something resonates. What is your intuition telling you?

phidelt689 · Answer

i appreciate your feedback....thinking about it for the last day, i kind of agree with what you're saying....maybe adding a masters of science in management would help to supplement and reinforce my core 'management' skills..or focusing more on other PMP related or leadership executive education courses that colleges offer..also in consulting, the degree will help you get in the door sort of speak if you lack experience but once you're in its allabout what you can deliver as you've mentioned...it's always good to bounce ideas off of educated folks so i appreciate it guys...thanks....AJ

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