When considering a Doctoral Program – especially one like a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) – many candidates make critical early mistakes.
So here is our number one point that we suggest you get clarity on:
Are you really clear on what you want to research and achieve with your doctorate?
Let’s break this sentence down into its two components, starting with the latter.
🎯 What do you want to achieve with your doctorate?
Before diving into research topics, it’s crucial to reflect on why you’re even considering a doctoral study. In our experience, people pursue doctorates for a wide range of reasons:
- To improve situations in their work environment and to manage to solve those problems that seemed to be unsolvable.
- To take their careers to the next level and seeking fresh challenges.
- Obtaining the highest possible analytical and critical skills to be on the top of the pyramid.
- Preparing for retirement by pivoting into consulting, board roles, or academia.
All of these are valid motivations. So which group do you fall into?
Understanding your “why” gives your doctoral journey a clear focus right from the start. It’s what we call a “known known” – you can identify it and plan around it.
❓ Are you really clear on what you want to research?
Here’s the truth: many doctoral applicants don’t know. And that’s okay.
Despite what many programs imply, uncertainty at this stage is normal. In fact, the entire first year of many doctoral programmes is dedicated to the crafting of your research. This is the so-called probationary period where you will need close guidance and orientation.
And that is where many people make a mistake – they assume they need to have a clear idea about their research before they even begin.
🧭 Known Unknowns vs. Unknown Unknowns
As former U.S. Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld once said (oddly relevant here):
“There are known knowns… There are known unknowns… and there are also unknown unknowns.”
Your motivations are usually “known knowns.”
Your topic area might be a “known unknown.”
But your capacity for doctoral-level thinking – the real transformative journey – is often an “unknown unknown.”
That’s why the structure of your chosen program matters.
💡 A Smarter Approach: Learn at the Doctoral-Level to learn how to work like a Dr.
Our Advanced Executive Training Programme in Business and Management allows you to learn at the Doctoral-Level and to gradually build up doctoral skills. The programme begins with a four-month module on advanced problem-solving techniques, where you’ll:
- Learn to problematise and frame that issue
- Identify a real-world research issue
- Formulate a high-level research question
Think of it as a trial period – an intensive, guided process that helps you figure out if a doctoral program is truly right for you.
📢 Applications for the October Cohort Are Now Open
If you’re curious but not 100% sure you’re ready, this modular approach might be the perfect first step. Learn more or apply.
Final Thought:
Doctoral study isn’t just about earning a title – it’s a personal transformation. If you’re not clear on your goals or research focus yet, don’t let that stop you. But don’t make the mistake of diving in without a structure that helps you discover them either.