This blog post was written by our student ambassador Pooja, a PhD student at the Estonian Business School.
Starting my journey as a first-year PhD student at EBS was more than a career choice for me. I had the urge to explore new ideas and add some value to the overall literature through my scholarly exploration.
The realization gradually dawned on me during my MBA studies, where I felt a calling that went beyond learning business principles. It was while working on a research project exploring the implications of management theories that everything fell into place for me. Seeing how these theories could enhance real-world conversations sparked a fire within me setting the stage for my pursuit of a PhD.
However, this decision was not taken lightly; it involved five years of contemplation, self-reflection, and soul-searching before embracing the idea of furthering my education.
As an international student and expat woman adjusting to life in Estonia, I had a realization that struck a chord with my experiences. With a background rooted in practicality I often encountered challenges in my career that conventional theories could not fully address. This discrepancy between theory and reality sparked my interest. This led me to contemplate pursuing a PhD. I have always been intrigued by the idea of merging real-world practice with inquiry. Whether it involves overseeing projects as a manager or adapting to life in a land, I have discovered the lessons gained from hands-on involvement. Transitioning from the realm of academia I was eager to explore how these practical insights could enrich pursuits.
So here I am, embarking on this chapter as a first-year doctoral student at EBS. My objective is clear; to bridge the gap between concepts and practical applications in the field of management studies. Through integrating real-world experiences, with frameworks my aim is to enhance our understanding of how theory can be applied in practice and vice versa.
It is more than progressing knowledge; it is about ensuring that research is relevant and useful, in addressing the real-world issues we encounter. To me, that is the essence of embarking on a PhD journey.
Preparing for the Doctoral Journey
Getting ready for my studies involved an approach encompassing academic preparedness, self-reflection, and strategic planning. Here are some essential steps I took to set the foundation for my PhD pursuit.
- Self-Evaluation: I embarked on a journey of self-discovery thoroughly assessing my strengths, research interests, and career goals. This introspective process helped me clarify my reasons for pursuing a Ph.D. and pinpoint areas of specialization aligned with my interests and values.
- Preparation: Before starting my journey, I took important steps to get ready for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. One crucial step I took was connecting with fellow students who were also pursuing their PhDs. Also, I discussed with my college professors to gain more insights into the PhD journey and academic life. Having conversations with this student and professors gave me a look into what doctoral studies entail. I discovered the demands, the research process, and the daily life of a PhD student. Hearing about their achievements, setbacks, and strategies for overcoming challenges provided me with knowledge and direction as I prepared to embark on my PhD journey. Furthermore, these interactions helped me establish connections and form a support system within the community. I received guidance on choosing a research topic, finding mentors, and navigating the application process. These discussions did not clarify the mysteries surrounding the PhD experience. Also boosted my confidence and readiness as I entered this exciting new phase of my academic pursuit.
- Research Exploration: I undertook reviews and critical examinations of scholarly papers to dive into the body of material already available in my field of interest. This process not only helped me gain a grasp of academic discussions but also revealed potential areas for future research. One notable gap I discovered while studying women entrepreneurs was the lack of research on expat women entrepreneurs, which motivated me to pursue this as a focus in my research.
- Skill Enhancement: I emphasized developing my skills by seeking ways to improve my research capabilities, critical thinking skills, and scholarly writing proficiency. This included learning more about research methodology, attending workshops on data analysis methods, engaging in writing groups, and continuously reading academic papers.
Thoughts: During my preparation period I made it a point to reflect on my progress regularly. I took time to assess my achievements, learn from my mistakes, and acknowledge victories. Keeping a journal, and participating in mindfulness sessions, helped me build self-awareness and resilience. These qualities were crucial in navigating the hurdles of pursuing a doctorate.
In Summary
Getting ready for a PhD journey is a process that demands commitment, persistence, and self-exploration. To me, it was an adventure filled with learning opportunities, personal growth, and empowerment—a voyage that reignited my passion for research, advocacy work, and continuous education. As I step into the phase of my pursuit, I carry valuable lessons learned along the way, cherished experiences gained through challenging work, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of knowledge to bring about positive changes. With curiosity guiding me and resilience anchoring me down firmly I am prepared to face the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead with confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully to academia and society. Stay tuned for updates as I navigate the twists and turns of my PhD adventure.
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