Innovators, visionaries, pioneers, consultants, and entrepreneurs populate the upper echelons of the business world. While some of these people possess innate skills and sensibilities that have helped them succeed, many also have gained extensive experience and pursued higher education to further develop their talent through real-world learning and focused study. One strategy for diving deep into an area of business of particular interest to you is pursuing a doctor of business administration (DBA) degree.
Through the process of earning a DBA degree, students may encounter opportunities for experiential learning, self-directed study, and the potential to expand their work. DBA students may contribute to the applied and theoretical discussion in business administration while exploring a range of potential career paths.
What may you do with a doctorate in business administration, exactly? The following sections aim to help prospective and current DBA students explore several doctor of business administration jobs.
Overview of a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)
Explore specifics of the DBA degree and how it differs from other graduate-level business degrees.
What Sets a DBA Apart From Other Business Degrees?
Doctoral-level students have the choice between a DBA and a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in business. The primary difference between the two is significant, though somewhat nuanced.
A DBA generally focuses on applied research and theory, considering the actual application of business knowledge in the real world of business, used to improve processes and solve problems. Conversely, a PhD in business tends to focus more on research and the development of abstract theory, rather than its practical application in business.
Although some DBA graduates pursue teaching roles, often drawing on their professional experience, others work primarily in industry, whereas many business PhD graduates focus on academic career paths.
Key Skills Developed During a DBA Program
Through coursework and the dissertation process, DBA programs may support students’ development of the following skills:
- Advanced leadership
- Strategic decision-making
- Strategic planning
- High-level research
- Advanced analytical thinking
- Complex problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Innovation
- Evidence-based strategy
- Data analytics
- Business ethics
- Business technology
- Applied business theory
- Written and verbal communication
The combination of these competencies, along with the experience and knowledge gained during a DBA program, may help students prepare for a variety of potential DBA career paths.
1. Leadership Roles in Corporate Organizations
With the right professional experience and background, some DBA graduates might seek leadership roles in corporate organizations.
Opportunities as a C-Suite Executive (CEO, CFO, COO, etc.)
Depending on the individual’s area of expertise and DBA dissertation focus, they may choose to pursue executive-level positions at the top of a corporation or in departments like finance, operations, marketing, technology, and more. However, a DBA alone is not sufficient for most C-suite roles, which typically require extensive leadership experience.
Senior Management and Director-Level Positions
Prior to advancing to the C-suite, DBA holders might find professional opportunities in senior management and direct-level positions that oversee specific business functions or departments. In such roles, they could be responsible for establishing a vision and strategy that aligns with the strategy set forth by executive leadership. Again, industry experience and personal traits are important components to finding employment.
2. Consulting Jobs for Doctor of Business Administration Graduates
With knowledge of applied business theory and research capabilities, some DBA graduates develop skills relevant to consulting roles, typically alongside prior professional experience.
Business Strategy and Management Consulting
DBA graduates with a focus in strategy and management may apply their knowledge across sectors and industries, helping businesses and organizations identify and solve problems to improve their strategies and operations.
Organizational Development and Change Management
Additionally, professionals could focus their expertise on organizational structure, operations, and processes to assist businesses and other organizations in culture and performance improvement. Business consultants with a background in change management might also consult businesses that are undergoing significant changes — such as leadership transitions, restructuring, mergers, or acquisitions.
3. Academic and Research Opportunities
While DBA students tend to focus more on applied business knowledge, some do proceed to pursue doctorate in business administration careers in academic positions or business research.
Becoming a University Professor or Lecturer
Possessing real-world experience working in business may create well-rounded business educators who, drawing from their background, have the potential to excel as mentors to students who aspire to pursue careers in the business world.
Engaging in Business Research and Publication
If, while earning a DBA degree, a student discovers a passion for designing studies and conducting research, then they might also discover a future career in business research and publication — focused on expanding the body of business knowledge.
4. Roles in Government and Nonprofit Sectors
Completing a DBA program typically requires honing analytical, critical thinking, research, communication, and leadership skills. What may you do with a doctorate in business paired with this skill set? You might consider leadership roles across sectors, including in government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Policy Advisor and Government Program Manager
Such positions call for high-level research and analysis to guide the development of policies and programs in government agencies and nonprofit organizations. These professionals address complex issues, work to solve problems, and create efficient systems with limited resources.
Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations
With a mix of strategic and analytical training, some DBA graduates pursue leadership roles in the nonprofit sector (e.g., executive directors, program heads, department leads, or finance directors). In these positions, they could help strengthen funding efforts and community impact. However, a professional’s ability to advance in the nonprofit realm depends heavily on their specific organization and type of experience; a doctorate degree does not guarantee career progression.
5. Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Some graduates develop entrepreneurial interests and may either consider launching an independent enterprise or fueling innovation elsewhere.
Starting Your Own Business or Advisory Firm
DBA graduates may have learning opportunities and experiences designed to provide them with a well-rounded, advanced education in business alongside high-level research and analytical thinking skills. With this extensive education, they might wish to start and run their own businesses or consulting firms. DBA graduates may have an idea for a new product or service, discover a new market to tap into, or simply want to be their own boss instead of working for someone else.
Driving Innovation in Established Companies
When the challenge of founding and running a business does not appeal, DBA graduates may look for high-level positions in established companies where they could have the opportunity to lead research and development efforts and drive innovation in:
- Products and services
- Processes
- Operations
- Business management technology
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between a DBA and a PhD in business?
The primary difference between a DBA and a PhD in business is the purpose of the degree program.
- DBA programs focus more on applying existing or innovative knowledge to solve real problems or make concrete improvements to the current business world.
- On the other hand, a PhD is more academic and theoretical, focused on research and developing new theories; PhD graduates in business typically focus on academic career paths rather than career paths in the business world.
Is a DBA degree respected in academia?
Thus, PhDs tend to be better suited for students who wish to advance knowledge in the field and work in academia.
How long does it typically take to complete a DBA program?
Most DBA programs are designed to be completed within about three years. However, the actual amount of time a DBA program takes to complete depends on the pace of the individual student’s study and the completion of a DBA dissertation.
Develop Your Future and Explore More Doctorate in Business Administration Careers
What may you do with a DBA degree? The key is identifying the career path that is right for you.
At Post University, students have access to a wide network of academic and career development resources while earning their degree. As you continue progressing toward completing the program and delve into your DBA dissertation, you may explore any number of the potential paths outlined above.
We invite you to browse our DBA program offerings and reach out to our admissions office to learn more about earning your Doctor of Business Administration degree at Post University.
