Reflecting on My Completed DBA Journey with ESGCI: The Value of an Applied Doctorate
Dr. Michael M.
Innovator and Doctor ( DBA in AI Adoption) Author of the book: Business Enterprise Architecture :
Mitesh Jain Aneesha Dsilva-Seth Siddharth Jena Josse Roussel, PhD, HDR Sonia Bendimerad upGrad International
The Benefits of an Applied DBA
The decision to pursue a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) was one of the best I’ve made for my professional and personal growth. Unlike theory-heavy Ph.D. programs, the DBA takes an applied approach, focusing on real-world business challenges and actionable solutions. This practical emphasis was a perfect fit for my goals, allowing me to conduct research that directly impacted my career while providing immediate value to my organization.
What made my DBA journey even more unique was the timeline. While the program is structured as a three-year degree, I was able to complete it in just over a year by meeting the rigorous grading rubrics and requirements. To my knowledge, I am the only student among 300 enrolled in the ESGCI program to achieve this within such a timeframe. The flexibility of the program, combined with my focus and dedication, made this possible.
The course content was another highlight. It was comprehensive, engaging, and directly applicable to the modern business landscape. Throughout this journey, Mitesh Jain from upGrad provided invaluable advice, helping me navigate the program and make the most of its opportunities. Early in the program, Mitesh suggested I take on the role of an evangelist, which became a defining aspect of my DBA experience.
Becoming an Evangelist
An evangelist is someone who represents and advocates for a program, sharing their experiences and insights with prospective and current learners. In this role, I mentor new students, host one-on-one sessions, and participate in webinars to discuss the benefits of the DBA program. It’s a role I’ve cherished, as it allows me to connect with professionals from all over the world and contribute to their learning journeys.
Aneesha Dsilva has been instrumental in supporting this role. She has arranged webinars where I present to groups of up to 30 potential learners, enabling me to share my journey and engage with senior professionals across industries. These sessions have been invaluable not only for the participants but also for my own development. The feedback and support I’ve received from Mitesh, Aneesha, and the wider upGrad team have been key in honing my presentation and communication skills.
This role continues to be a rewarding experience, providing me with opportunities to connect, share insights, and learn from a global network of peers and professionals.
Achieving a Lifelong Goal: Writing and Publishing
Another transformative outcome of my DBA journey was achieving a lifelong goal of writing and publishing books. The professional writing skills I developed during the program were instrumental in this achievement. These skills helped me complete my first book, The Comprehensive Guide to Business Enterprise Architecture, which synthesizes my academic learning and professional expertise into a resource for business leaders.
Since then, I’ve published two additional books:
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Publishing these books was deeply fulfilling, marking a significant personal and professional milestone.
Career Development: From Student to Adjunct Professor
Since completing the DBA, my career has reached new heights. I am now an Adjunct Professor at the Swiss School of Business Research (SSBR), where I supervise PhD students, develop innovative programs, and contribute to strategic initiatives. Key achievements include:
Additionally, I’ve developed the Professional Doctorate (Pro.D) Framework, which leverages AI tools to accelerate doctoral research for working professionals. This framework is currently under consideration by three European universities, reflecting its potential impact on modern education.
The DBA’s Broader Impact
The ESGCI DBA program’s applied approach provided the foundation for these accomplishments. By focusing on real-world challenges, it enabled me to develop skills and insights that directly benefit my career. The global network of professionals I connected with during the program further enriched my experience, offering diverse perspectives that informed both my research and professional practice.
The support from upGrad, especially from Mitesh and Aneesha, was instrumental throughout this journey. Their encouragement and guidance helped me maximize the program’s potential, from taking on the evangelist role to refining my presentation skills.
Final Thoughts
Completing the DBA program with ESGCI in just over a year was a challenging but immensely rewarding experience. The program’s flexibility, combined with its focus on applied research and professional development, has been transformative for my career and personal growth.
For professionals seeking to advance their careers through a doctorate, I highly recommend the ESGCI DBA. It’s a program that balances academic rigor with real-world application, offering a unique opportunity to make meaningful contributions to your field while achieving your personal goals.
If you’d like to learn more about my journey or discuss the program, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. I’m always happy to share insights and support others in taking the next step in their professional and academic journeys.