There’s no doubt that studying for a doctorate degree requires a huge investment of time and energy. It’s natural to question ‘Is it really worth it?’
Experts predict that in the current economy, gaining a doctorate degree would give a candidate a significant advantage in today’s job market. However, if you’re still unsure whether it’s right for you, let’s dig a little deeper into the advantages of reaching the pinnacle of academic achievement.
It’s clear that by successfully completing a Doctorate degree you will reach the highest level of academia in your chosen field. Less than 2% of the population have done this!
But there’s much more to a Doctorate programme than subject specialisation. Candidates have the opportunity to develop and practise a wide range of transferable skills throughout their research project and these skills are highly sought after by employers across all sectors.
Here are some of the core skills that develop organically whilst studying for a doctorate degree…that you may have not considered being transferable and desirable:
RESEARCH SKILLS
Analysing large amounts of information, identifying patterns and trends and managing complex data is no mean feat! As a certified professional researcher, these skills will be welcomed across many fields.
PUBLISHING SKILLS
A doctorate thesis requires complex research, thorough copy-editing and meticulous proofreading prior to submission. Becoming proficient in these particular skills is highly transferable and can be utilised for journalism, professional writing or even developing a website.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILLS
Studying for a Doctorate programme exercises effective time management, precise planning, handling of both foreseen and unforeseen issues and managing expenses. This collective group of skills are the key ingredients to successful project management.
TEACHING SKILLS
Academic teaching experience doesn’t have to be restricted to the university sector, teaching skills can be easily adapted to mentoring, leadership and training roles. Doctorate graduates are also experienced in assessing and marking academic papers, providing constructive feedback and delivering tutorials.
PRESENTING SKILLS
Undertaking a Doctorate programme will develop confidence and strengthen the ability to speak in a public setting. Presenting effectively to an academic audience is no different from presenting to a client, a board of directors or an investor.
ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS
Whilst studying for a Doctorate degree, it’s highly likely that a candidate will organise a number of events, conferences or webinars. The event planning involved in arranging group events will provide a valuable and attractive listing for a CV.
NETWORKING SKILLS
These skills will be practised on an almost daily basis. Connecting with other researchers, identifying collaboration opportunities and building a strong relationship with your thesis mentor will unlock the door to networking on the highest professional level.
Doctorate graduates are so much more than experts in research, or high achievers. They are:
- Problem Solvers – Researching for a doctorate programme naturally trains you to find problems and identify solutions. You know the right questions to ask, how to make smart decisions and think critically.
- Creators – Not a word automatically associated with doctoral studies, however, Doctorate candidates are creators of information, and theories. A highly rare form of innovation!
- Fearless – To complete a research project requires endless amounts of enquiry and experimentation, just to complete one small component of research. Overcoming and learning from continuous failure builds strong resilience. Doctorate achievers are far from quitters and not afraid to challenge any bad practise in the workplace.
- Collaborative – It’s a given that anyone studying for a Doctorate will work very closely with other students to share resources and build strong relationships with outside organisations to gather information.
- Adaptable – By completing a Doctorate programme, you are an expert in knowledge acquisition. A skill that’s beneficial to any role and can be adapted to any industry.
Skills gained from studying for a Doctorate degree are leadership skills in their best and truest form.
SSBR offer 2 Doctorate programmes:
Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
PhD Doctorate on Philosophy in Management
Both programmes are research-based, with a practical approach. Doctorate programmes are run entirely online, totally flexible and can be completed within 2 years. Contact one of our enquiries team to find out more.
Email: info@ssbr-edu.ch
Insta: @swissschoolofbusinessresearh
Facebook: @swissschoolofbusinessresearh
