Just as a sportsperson has to surpass him- or herself to reach the finish line, doctoral students outdo themselves in writing a thesis, which can be compared to a mental workout requiring an enormous amount of investment. My fellow doctoral students and I have, so to speak, competed in the Olympic Games in writing our theses. In these first two years of the programme I have been motivated by a desire to push myself further and further, to produce an important work, and to ensure that my research is relevant.
Two years already! That might seem like a long time, but it is in fact very little. Our thesis director told us from the outset, in a tone that was both friendly and teacherly, that we were going to have to learn to be humble. Honestly, we didn’t believe him. And yet, over many hours of research, I have found myself confused and sometimes even lost before gradually finding my footing again. I touched upon so many topics that I could not include in the thesis and that branched out into still more questions. It is this journey towards infinity that motivates us to continue. Now, one year from my thesis deadline, I am already asking myself ‘What next?’.
The people I have met over the course of my research, interesting discussions that have taught me so much, and a great deal of personal reflection, have provided me with an unforgettable experience. Things that I thought impossible have happened. For instance, I’ve been able to contact the author of a book I read, to discuss with a state-accredited research director, both on study-related and philosophical matters, and I have been advised by business experts. All of this has been a great source of pleasure. I have had to draw on my soft skills, hard skills and even my mad skills – which I did not know I had before now! – in order to stay on track.
In conclusion, I would summarise my DBA experience as an exercise in humility. I have experienced personal development and developed solid (if still developing) skills in both research and everything else that word entails.
