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My DBA research journey - Tej

Published on 01 August 2025

All about my journey from the corporate world to starting a PhD.

If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d be starting a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), I might’ve smiled politely and returned to my quarterly targets. My life was engaged in corporate strategy, telecom innovation, and performance metrics. But somewhere in that journey, I started asking a deeper questions, such as “how do we grow?” and “how do we grow responsibly?”

I investigated AI integration, ethical decision-making, and the growing divide between algorithmic automation and human intuition as a result of that query. After working in the industry for more than 15 years, I wanted to do more than just contribute to reports and KPIs; I wanted to conduct research on solutions that enabled systems and people to collaborate in a meaningful and transparent way.

Finding the right supervisor was a turning point. In addition to academic credentials, I also sought alignment. My supervisor encouraged me to create a proposal that demonstrated both rigor and heart by listening to not only my topic idea but also the backstory.

Tej dmu computer

If you're thinking about applying, my tips are simple:

  • Start with purpose, not perfection. Just ask a question that is important to you; you don't need all the answers.
  • Find a supervisor who aligns with your “why and how.” It changes everything.
  • Reflect on your experience. Your journey to this point is your strength, not a detour.

Making the connection between what I know and what the world needs was my only goal when I started this journey. You're already headed in the right direction if that speaks to you.

All the best,

Tej

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