《我是怎麼準備 DBA 的？給正在工作中的 B2B 專業者》
這篇是因為受邀回去學校的博士班進行分享, 跟新進者學弟妹分享經驗. 以下用英文喔~ 也把我的分享草稿在這裡進行一個紀錄, 對於B2B夥伴, 若有想要繼續攻讀產業博士的~ 也希望可以分享我的經驗~
Hello everyone, welcome back to the B2B Podcast. Today’s episode is a little bit different.I want to share my DBA journey, not from an academic point of view,but from the perspective of B2B Sales and Business Development.
This episode is for you if: you work in B2B— you are thinking about a DBA— or you feel your career is changing, but you are not sure what’s next
1️ Who I am ?
For those who don’t know me, my name is Megan.I have more than 20 years of experience in international B2B Sales, Marketing, and Business Development.
I worked across industries like IT manufacturing, system integration, cloud and AI, and now aviation.I worked in Europe and Asia, often in expatriate roles.I was responsible not only for sales, but also for P&L, team management, and cross-functional coordination.
I am now living and working in Nantes, France, and I completed my DBA at Audencia Business School.
I come from practice, not from academia. And this really shaped how I experienced the DBA.
2️ Why I started a DBA ?
I started my DBA during a big life transition.
I moved to France. New language. New industry. New environment. Middle age woman, And then COVID.
The DBA was not a title for me.
It was a structure. A space to slow down and rethink the possibilities for my future.I applied to several DBA programs in France.
In the end, I chose Audencia.Not only because it is in Nantes,
but because of one sentence:
“Never stop daring.”
At that time, this sentence really described my life.
3️ Having a goal is good — but don’t lock yourself in
When I started my DBA, I had a clear goal.I thought I would become a consultant.
Today, I don’t want that anymore.And this is something important I want to share.
The DBA is a long journey.
You will change.
Your career may change.
Your definition of success may change.
Having a goal is good.
But don’t lock yourself into it.
4 Going back to “learning mode” after 20 years of work
After more than 20 years of work,
going back to academia was challenging.
But my experience is simple:
Don’t be afraid. Trust the school and the professors.
For me, it was like getting back a language
that I had not used for a long time.
At the beginning, it feels slow.
My habit was always to connect what I learned at school
with real problems from my work.
This is, in my opinion, the biggest advantage
of coming from industry.
Because we already have so much business experience,in the end, we can pick it up faster, and sometimes with even more interesting discoveries.
5️ You don’t walk alone: peers really matter
Another important point is your peers.
Some questions are hard to ask your supervisor, especially at the beginning. Your classmates walk this journey with you.
I remember when I couldn’t write my research proposal,
a classmate kept encouraging me.
That support really matters.
And honestly, this is very similar to B2B.
You don’t build long-term value alone.
6️ Trust your supervisor (and manage the relationship)
Many DBA students worry:
“Does my supervisor really understand my topic?”
My answer is: Trust your supervisor.
They may not be experts in your exact field, but doctoral training helps them find the right foundation and guide you through the journey.
Also, work with your supervisor professionally.
Just like with your boss or your clients, share with them your updates, bring an agenda and clear expectations.
This makes communication much easier.
7 Use the handbook — it is designed to help you graduate
At the beginning of the journey,
don’t jump too fast to conclusions.
Be open.
Be creative.Be curious.
But when it is time to prepare your proposal,
pay attention to timeframes and deliverables.
Use the research handbook.
It may feel too early now,
but it is designed to guide you step by step to graduation.
8 Literature review — you are not alone
Literature reviews are very important.
Almost all your questions and foundationsalready have answers in the papers you read. They can even help you answerall questions from your viva committee.
You are standing on the shoulders of giants.
🔚 Final message to DBA newcomers
It is a long journey,
and sometimes you will feel very lonely.
time is the most precious thing.
We are all challenged by work, family, and kids.
It is normal to feel tired, late, or even anxious.
I personally wanted to give up several times
and doubted if I could finish it.
But trust yourself.
Remember this moment,
and remember why you joined the DBA journey.
This courage matters.
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