Back to the PhD mode again !!! Am planning to start a Part-Time PhD in the Toronto area soon !!!

I have completed my MBA successfully and received my degree certificate after my convocation. I am now focusing on doing a PhD on a part time basis in the Toronto area.

The universities that I am considering to pursue my PhD are:

• University of Toronto
• York University
• McMaster University

Of these, I am guessing that only York University allows PhD on a part time basis. Will keep you posted!

Cheers,
Gerry.

Is there a shortage of PhDs in Business Schools? YES! That means secure jobs. Business Schools are mushrooming all over the world and there is high demand for PhDs

The MBA program is in high demand all over the world. In developing countries, there are many business schools in each city now, where as a decade ago, there was none in the smaller cities. In many developing countries, the term MBA is commonly used now, where as earlier, they used terms like PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) and so on. Even now, in India, many Universities do not have separate business schools. They have departments within their Engineering Program called as "Department of MBA" or "Department of Business". With this rapid growth, there is a certain demand for qualified and licensed teachers. But the rate of growth of PhDs has not been as fast as the rate of growth of Business Schools. After all, it takes 5 years to produce a PhD, where as a Business School can be started in as little as 6 months to 12 months in a country like India.

- Gerry.

A PhD is highly respected in Europe !

I have read this in many articles, but there seems to be a lot of respect for PhDs in Europe. Especially, in Germany. It helps to have a PhD, not just an MBA, if you plan to work in Europe or do business in Europe.

Exploring PhD in USA

I am now exploring PhD options in USA. Have begun contacting a few Universities. Am keeping my fingers crossed. This is the thing: I know that I am good. I know that I belong in a pretigious institution. I know that I can make a huge difference to the business world. It is just the matter of  getting to where I belong.

Praying for a positive response from some good Universities.

Gerry.

DejaVu all over again! + All PhDs are not born equal. + Familiar vs Unfamiliar field of PhD + Why not shoot for the stars?

Now that I am researching PhDs, it feels like deja vu all over again. Ok, I know it is punny. Chill! Why do I say that it is deja vu all over again? That is because I had the very same questions on my mind before joining the MBA program!!! Am I doing the right thing? Is this the school / University for me? and so on. I shall have to ask these very questions, while getting into a PhD program. Have to choose the University / program that is the BEST FIT for me!

The dilemma here is this:
* Start a PhD immediately, with any available program? (most programs start in September. I am already kinda late. I thought of a PhD only 2 days back, bro! Had not planned it before that. LIfe is like that).
* Or go for a well recognized PhD program?
* You see, I am set in Toronto right now. This is home. Relocating to a new place is not going to be easy.
* At the same time, I am also looking at PhD programs in USA. I already looked at PhD in SUNY, Buffalo, NY and in Detroit, MI. And now, I am thinking, why not a PhD from a prestigious university, darn it? Why not Ivy League (Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Princeton, Yale, UPenn, ).
* All PhDs are not born equal. There is different level of prestige associated with them. There are many different fields in which you can do a PhD.
* This also begs the question: Should one do a PhD in a familiar field or an alien field?
* Personally, I choose to do a PhD in an alien field (not something related to Medicine - I am a Medical Doctor). I want to learn from a PhD first and teach later. A field like Economics and Finance is ideal for me.
* Here is another thought. Instead of rushing into a PhD this September 2012, why not plan for a PhD in September 2013 from a prestigious University?!
* Some PhDs can be completed in 3 years (eg: McMaster University). Some take 5 years compulsarily (eg: University of Toronto)! That factor should also be kept in mind.
* More later. My thoughts are still new regarding a PhD. As my thoughts mature, and as I come to a conclusion, I shall post new blogs.

Gerry.

PhD after MBA in USA or Canada

Now that I am nearing the completion of my MBA, I have been thinking about what to do next. I am already in an internship and already have a potential opening for September 2012. Actually, I have more than one opportunities lined up for September 2012, immediately after my Internship. I am excellent at professional networking and that helps a bit, you know.

Ok, back to the PhD topic, the economy is still in a bad shape. Job market is not the best. Even though I do have potential job offers, thanks to my aggressive networking, I know that there is no Big Bucks on the table right now. It makes sense to be in school to get the highest possible education right now. A PhD is a dream come true, since I shall get to teach after that. I love teaching. There shall also be original research involved. I am always full of ideas for research. Research is my kinda thing. A PhD feels just right at this time, for me. Of course, I am still ambitious and am interested in doing extremely well, financially after the MBA. But I have to find out a way of accomplishing that while doing a PhD. Now that I am in the study mode, while in the final stage of MBA, it makes sense to continue the flow and finish a PhD program as soon as possible. Once I lose touch, it shall be difficult to go back to the books. Now is the perfect time!

The other day, I had been to the YSGS (Yeates School of Graduate Studies), Ryerson University, Torotno and happened to pick up a Graduate Admissions brochure purely by accident / chance.

There, I saw that Ryerson University offers a PhD in International Economics and International Finance. I am VERY VERY interested!!! Seems like the answer to my question!

Now, I have a few things that I am trying to figure out:

• I have already filled in the application form for PhD that starts September 2012 at Ryerson.
• I need to find out if I have to apply for OSAP funding for a PhD
• How much stipend I shall be paid monthly?
• How much can I make while teaching students as a PhD candidate?
• Are there any scholarships available?
• What are my options? I plan to live in Toronto area. So my options are: Ryerson University, University of Toronto, York University, McMaster University and Queen's University.
• My area of interest for PhD is Business Management - specifically International Economics and Finance. (Even though I absolutely love Marketing, I am not interested in a PhD in Marketing).
• I am also looking at US as an option and am exploring PhD in Detroit, MI or Buffalo, NY (close to Canada :)
• Is it possible to start a PhD immediately after MBA?
• What is the fastest that I can complete my PhD? I do know that they vary from 3 to 5 years.
• This PhD is supposed to be a full time program, but can I also hold a Corporate job while doing my PhD?
• Of course, I can run a business while doing a PhD. Nobody can stop me from that! I have something in mind and shall start this month.

Gerry.

(I just hope that a PhD ambition shall not end up like the cartoon below. Kidding :) I know I am better than that)

My area of Interest for PhD

I am interested in learning about both Economics and Finance during the PhD. I find these subjects very interesting. For me, a PhD is a great way to learn for FREE as well as to teach and do research. It seems like the perfect answer to my prayers !!!

- Gerry.

1st Post

This blog shall be about PhD after MBA in Canada. I am a Canadian citizen who is about to complete MBA and start a PhD. This blog shall talk about my experiences and thoughts during the process.

The funny thing is that as much as PhDs are intelligent, they are also aloof, and keep away from the general public. Of course, they have papers published in journals. But rarely do that connect with main stream media.

I hope to change all that!

Gerry Som.
Toronto, Canada.