If the recent pandemic has placed your career development on hold, you are not alone. Many workers have been struggling to maintain their performance or to focus on their careers due to the challenges of working remotely. The pandemic also significantly changed the way companies operate, limiting the number of opportunities for career advancement.
However, things are about to become a lot better. We see the light at the end of the tunnel, and companies react positively to the recent developments that weÂ’ve had. Many companies are starting to expand their operations again, enter new markets, and plan for a significant structure redesign.
These are signs of opportunities, and there is no better time to prepare yourself for them than right now. One of the best investments you can make is an investment in a doctoral degree, and here are five reasons why now is the best time to get one.
1. The Timing Is Perfect
When you consider the time that you will need to complete a doctoral programme, you will immediately realise how now is the perfect time to get started. You can complete the Research Methods Course of a credible doctorate programme in as little as 12 months, depending on your study pace. By the time you are done with the research programme, new opportunities will be waiting for you.
There is also the fact that you can find more research topics in todayÂ’s market. Many uncertainties affect the way companies do business, and research is the best tool to unravel them. Your research findings are more valuable than ever, especially if you go deep into topics related to business operations in the post-pandemic market.
2. More Programes to Choose From
A doctoral degree gives you the right career push. Even better, you can pursue a degree in virtually any field that you like. If you want to fill a top-management or strategic management role, for instance, you can find an excellent doctoral programme in business administration.
DonÂ’t confuse a doctoral degree with a doctorate. The latter is meant for academics who want to pursue a career in science or education. A doctoral degree is more practical; it is designed for professionals who wish to know their craft on a deeper level.
This is why a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) title is considered more valuable than an MBA. You get a significant career push when you earn a DBA with a good research programme completed in the process.
3. ItÂ’s More Flexible Than Ever
That brings us to the third reason, which is the flexibility of modern doctoral programmes. Leading programmes such as the online DBA programme from Aston University are no longer conducted offline. You benefit from distance learning and a more flexible curriculum. This means you can study at your own pace and still work fulltime for your current employer. As long as you can allocate enough time to go through course materials and attend virtual classes, you can promptly complete the programme.
As mentioned before, the Research Methods Course (RMC) can be completed in a year, after which you will continue with your research. The amount of time you spend gathering data and conducting the research depends on you as the student.
4. More Credibility
The combination of RMC and in-depth research makes the DBA one of the most valuable degrees on the market right now. That value comes from the enhanced credibility you will receive upon completing the programme and earning your degree. It is still a challenging process, but the result is well worth overcoming those challenges.
Credibility also comes from institutions offering doctoral programmes today. Top names like Aston University have a long reputation for exceptional programmes and learning standards beyond the average schools. Even with distance learning, you are still required to meet the standards without fail.
5. Better Return on Investment
The high return on investment offered by doctoral degrees doesnÂ’t just come from the career push you can get after earning the degree. It also stems from the low investment that you have to make in the first place. Online degrees are up to 40% more affordable than the equivalent offline doctoral programmes.
When you enrol in a programme from a reputable university, you double that ROI too. Tuition remains affordable, research programmes no longer have to cost a fortune, and you earn a degree from a trustworthy institution recognised worldwide. Investing in education right now brings the highest long-term growth.
6. Superior Opportunities
Timing aside, there is a growing market trend of companies making strategic positions more rewarding. The need for rapid recovery and growth that many companies experience right now amplifies that trend significantly.
When you fill a strategic management role, you can expect to be rewarded more healthily. Factors such as work-life balance, job security, health insurance, and other protection layers are also among the rewards you can expect.
To leverage this trend, talk to your current employer about your plan to pursue a doctoral degree. Many companies have incentives for employees who choose to return to school to get a higher degree because it is more affordable for companies to promote employees than to recruit experienced managers. It is your chance to grab the opportunities available around you.
7. A Chance to Reinvent Yourself
Last but certainly not least, pursuing a doctoral degree today is the perfect launchpad for a career shift tomorrow. This is an opportunity to reinvent yourself, enter a new industry, a new position, or a new career path altogether. The DBA or other doctoral degree acts as your equity to help you succeed in the new role.
There is no better time to pursue a higher degree than today, and there is no better degree to pursue than a doctoral degree. You even have scholarships, grants, and research funding to help you earn a DBA without breaking the bank, all while working a fulltime job. Find a programme that suits you best and start working your way towards improving your professional future.
