Author: Obi

Balancing working and doing a PhD is not easy but has been done. Please note that there are specific types of PhD programs that are designed for working professionals. For example, Executive PhD and Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA),   As a professional woman, you can successfully navigate the demanding journey of earning a PhD while juggling work responsibilities. I understand the aspirations that drive you and the unique challenges you may face. In this article, I share ten insightful time management tips that go beyond surface-level advice. These deeper strategies will help you achieve a work-study balance as an older…

As a professional woman who holds a PhD, my aim is to support and inspire other Black women intent on following their own doctoral journeys in the field of Information Systems. By increasing the representation of Black women with STEM doctoral degrees, further, break down barriers and serve as role models and mentors for many more. As an Assistant Professor of Information Systems, my research has reaffirmed my belief that a PhD in this domain advances your individual career goals and will also position you as an influential figure in your field. As an academic, you are the face that…

Step 1 – Decide on a type of PhD. There are two types of Doctorate degrees that you can choose from. The Professional or Executive doctorate programs such as the DBA are typically self-funded. They are terminal degrees focused on applying knowledge in specific professions. Typically, they combine academic coursework with practical experience and applied research. The traditional PhD’s are research-oriented degrees that centre on advancing knowledge in specific disciplines. They involve independent research, a dissertation and defense. Action: Identify your research interests as well as your academic and professional interests. Step 2 – Take a GMAT or GRE. The…

Finding mentors and communities as an older PhD student can be challenging. However, building a support network is crucial to your success. Having mentors and a community of peers can help you navigate the challenges of pursuing a PhD, provide guidance and advice, and offer encouragement and motivation. Here are seven tips on how to find mentors and communities as an older PhD student. 1. Join a Professional Association Professional associations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Association for Information Systems, and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) provide networking opportunities, access to industry events, and…

Let’s talk about 7 tangible strategies for coping with burnout while pursuing your Ph.D. after 40. As you reach for the stars in your pursuit of a PhD, your experience is yours and yours alone. No other person will have the exact same experience as you. However, you can learn from others and gain wisdom in handling the stress that comes from the amount of work that seems insurmountable. Many people have achieved it in their 40s (including, yours truly), and believe me when I say that you can do it too. Many will tell you that pursuing a PhD…

Discover the perks of traveling to academic conferences. There are many, but I list four of them here that you could look forward to as you continue your studies as a PhD Student in Information Systems. Of course, these perks or benefits are not peculiar to only PhD Students or academics in Information Systems. It’s a reminder to take the time to plan to go to conferences and to make connections while you’re there. Perk 1: Funded Academic Conferences First, the conference is usually paid for by your academic institution. Most universities with a focus on research have budgets for traveling…

What does it mean to seek a PhD as a Black Woman Over 40? And do so in a business school? I want to say that it’s no big deal. But then again, it means something. It shows a determination to expand your territory and grow both as an individual and a professional. It could also mean that you’re ready to pursue the next chapter of your life, and do so in academia. It could mean that you’re ready for more opportunities at your job; or that you’re tired of where you are. Why a PhD? Why not? Why stop…

What you can do with a PhD in Information Systems? The answers below will help you decide whether you should do your PhD in Information Systems or another discipline. If you have decided to start your PhD, then you should ensure that your concentration choice in Information Systems will yield some benefit to you. However, even if you have not decided to start your PhD yet, knowing your future opportunities after earning a PhD in Information Systems may help with your decision. The following are some of the great career options you can take advantage of with a PhD in…

Knowing if it is worth it to get a PhD in information systems is a noble question. Once answered, you will be able to determine whether you should spend 4–5 years of your life achieving it or continue on your current life track, saving you time and money. You will most certainly gain a few things if you determine it is worth it to go for the PhD in Information Systems. You gain time (more working years as an academic), income (versus other PhD areas), relationships (new and lasting relationships), and intellectual knowledge (an increased capacity to think through…

PhDs in the US take an average of 7.5 years to complete. There are 4 things that affect how long it takes to do a PhD in Information Systems.  It starts with two: the school and you. There are usually two reasons people want to know how long a PhD takes: (1) age and (2) time to income. Age: If you want to know how long it takes because you are older and would prefer to complete the program in a shorter timeframe. In that case, please read the post where I described the pros and cons of trying to…