Advancing Leadership in Education: A Journey with the Edgewood College Ed.D. Program

Aneesha Dsilva-Seth Mitesh Jain Siddharth Jena

Reflecting on the Journey

Since beginning the Edgewood College Ed.D. program, I’ve gained valuable insights into how professional doctorates can shape educational leadership. This program has allowed me to explore the intersection of academic theory and practical application, reinforcing my belief in the importance of bridging these two worlds.

The structured yet flexible approach of the program has been instrumental in my academic growth. Through engaging coursework and opportunities to reflect on my professional practice, I’ve advanced my understanding of how educational leaders can use research to drive meaningful change in their institutions and communities.

Courses Covered So Far

The courses I’ve completed so far have provided a strong foundation for my research and leadership development:

• Qualitative Foundations: This course introduced me to key qualitative research methods, equipping me with tools to design and analyze studies that capture the nuanced perspectives of industry and academic leaders.
• Academic Writing in Education: This course has enhanced my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, a skill that is essential for both academic research and professional practice.
• Strategic Decision & Marketing: This course has deepened my understanding of how strategic thinking and marketing principles can be applied in the education sector, particularly in promoting and scaling programs like professional doctorates.
• Quantitative Foundations : This course provided further insights into data analysis, complementing my qualitative research skills and enabling a more robust exploration of my research questions.

I’m particularly looking forward to Curriculum Studies and Learning Sciences, which will focus on designing inclusive and adaptive learning frameworks. This aligns closely with my thesis on enhancing the value and adoption of industry and practice-focused doctorates.

Support and Advocacy with upGrad

The upGrad team, especially Mitesh Jain and Aneesha Dsilva, has been exceptional in supporting my journey. Their prompt guidance and personalized support have made navigating the program much smoother. Whether addressing academic queries or ensuring logistical challenges are resolved, their commitment has been invaluable.

As I work on developing my own professional Doctorate Accreditation, called the Pro.D Framework, their advice and support in fostering partnerships with upGrad and its network of academic institutions have been particularly noteworthy. Their encouragement and insights are helping to shape a collaborative approach that leverages the strength of upGrad’s global academic ecosystem.

Mitesh has also provided opportunities for me to give back to the upGrad community by putting me forward as an evangelist for both the Edgewood College Doctor of Education Program and the ESGCI Doctor of Business Administration Program. As part of this role, I’ve participated in sessions with new learners to share my experiences. For the Edgewood program, I speak as a current student navigating the coursework and research, while for ESGCI, I offer insights as someone who has completed the DBA. These sessions bring together experienced professionals from across the globe, and I’ve found them to be both enriching and rewarding.

In addition, Aneesha has been fantastic in organizing webinars where I present to groups of up to 30 potential learners. These sessions not only allow me to share my journey but also help me refine my presentation and communication skills—an asset for both my academic and professional careers. Aneesha’s support extends beyond logistics; she provides guidance on content creation and encourages feedback, helping me continuously improve.

These engagements with upGrad have been a highlight of my journey, showcasing the platform’s commitment to fostering collaboration and professional growth. They’ve also provided a unique opportunity for me to connect with a global network of peers, further enriching my learning experience.

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Progress on My Research

My thesis, "Bridging Theory and Practice: Exploring the Value and Adoption of Industry and Practice-Focused Doctorates Across Sectors," continues to evolve. The research explores critical questions such as:

1. How are professional doctorates like Ed.D.s and DBAs valued and adopted across industries?
2. What strategies can academic institutions employ to better promote and scale these programs?
3. What barriers exist in fostering greater understanding and integration of these degrees?

The qualitative foundation I’ve built through the program is enabling me to design a study that draws on in-depth interviews, workshops, and document analysis. My goal is to provide actionable insights for both academic institutions and industry leaders, ensuring that these programs meet the evolving needs of professionals and organizations.

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Looking Ahead

As I progress through the Ed.D. program, I’m excited about the opportunities to delve deeper into my research while continuing to refine my leadership skills. Each course adds a new dimension to my understanding, and I look forward to applying these lessons in my professional practice.

For those considering an Ed.D. or similar program, I highly recommend exploring this path. The Edgewood College program, supported by upGrad’s exceptional team, offers a perfect balance of academic rigor and practical relevance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to lead and innovate in education.

I’ll share further updates as my journey continues, particularly as I dive into upcoming courses and refine my research findings. The journey so far has been challenging yet rewarding, and I’m eager to see where it leads next.

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