In this episode of DBA Chronicles,  we welcomed and sat down with Dr. Alan Turovlin—Program Director of the UNC Charlotte DBA program to unpack the true return oninvestment of earning a Doctor of Business Administration. Whether you’re weighing the DBA against a PhD, considering a mid-career shift, or aiming to maximize the impact of your doctoral journey, Dr. Turovlin shares practical insights, real-world anecdotes, and actionable advice straight from the front lines of academia and industry.

We explore:

• How a DBA differs from an MBA and a PhD, and why the “why?” question matters
• The tangible and intangible career benefits of a DBA at mid-career
• Anecdotal ROI data: alumni success stories and income growth
• Core skills and competencies you’ll gain—and how they translate to business impact
• Networking strategies: leveraging professors and your cohort for lifelong connections
• Key considerations and pitfalls for prospective DBA candidates
• Time-management and scope-control tactics to get the most out of your program

Key Quotes:

“A DBA isn’t just another credential—it’s a research journey that shapes how you see and solve problems.” 

“Your dissertation should answer a burning question for you and your organization—not just fill a gap in the literature.” 

“The network you build in your cohort can outlast any single class—it’s your lifelong executive peer group.” 

Whether you’re on the fence about returning to school or ready to dive into your proposal, this episode provides a roadmap for maximizing both the tangible and intangible returns of a DBA program.

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Website: www.dbachronicles.org

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Until next time—keep learning, keep leading!