Veteran HS teacher looking to progress...where do I fit in?

[moomber123]

Hi,

I found it surprising and odd that age was suggested to be an issue. And 25 is suggested to be "old." For business PhD in general, there are more students having substantial job experience before they apply, compared to, let's say, math PhD. My experience has been that age variance and age "tolerance" for business PhD is much higher. I would recommend not to worry about age at all. My first year class has people who are married with kids, and people who has yet to have any interruption in their schooling.

I would echo the advice of not getting into a PhD program unless you really want to do research though. This can't be overemphasized. PhD is not a master+. PhD is a serious commitment. And if you are into professional development in the real world (outside of academia and research oriented place), a PhD degree actually won't help you much compared to a top tier MBA program. Do not make the mistake of going through the hell (it was for many) of a PhD degree and then learn that you really didn't get what you were hoping for.

[Naijaman]

Moomber, thanks for the response, and I certainly see the points raised by you and others. The bottom line is, I like teaching, and I like the lifestyle of an academic. I am not particularly keen on re-entering the corporate sector on a full-time basis (though possibly as a part-time consultant). I have been a teacher for 5 years, and no matter what, I will always be a teacher at heart. I have certain areas which I have great interest in doing research in (though my primary interest is teaching), and basically need to find a good fit for my interests. I am only now beginning to realize how much goes into simply deciding on a program and admission, let alone completion . I am also not necessarily dead-set on teaching at a certain level school as I am interested in ensuring that I will be fairly well placed and paid upon completion.

The only major issue for me is giving up 3-4 years of full-time income to pursue this interest. That will be very hard...(I have bills). However, if I can overcome this obstacle, I hope to undertake the endeavor of a doctoral program in business.