Challenges, Realities, and Evolving Notions of Success. My Reflections.
Dr. MacDonald Chaava
Lawton. OK. March 2025
Overview
Pursuing higher education is often seen as a pathway
to enhanced career opportunities, intellectual growth, and personal
fulfillment. This article explores the reflective journey of an individual
navigating multiple academic degrees, culminating in a doctoral degree. The
analysis focuses on the perceived expectations, challenges, and eventual
realizations that emerge during and after the doctoral journey. Special
emphasis is placed on the alignment between and stabilization of educational
pursuits and career aspirations, the complexities of navigating
interdisciplinary academic choices on one hand, and the challenges of
migration, which can disrupt professional and personal development due to
differences in cultural and professional landscapes. Migration can influence
the process of adapting to new professional environments, managing career
transitions, and pursuing academic pathways. Ultimately, the article offers
insights into the broader implications of terminal degrees and how they shape
both professional and personal identity amidst these challenges.
Beyond the Degree: Reflections on the Journey to a Doctorate.
When I graduated with my first degree—a Bachelor of
Science in Management—I felt empowered, as though I had stepped into a new
version of myself with expanded potential and possibilities. It was a moment of
pride and optimism, and I believed I had gained a powerful edge in life. But
that feeling, while exhilarating, was only the beginning. Shortly after, I
embarked on my next academic pursuit: a master’s in health administration. I
saw it as a way to strengthen my professional wings, positioning myself for
broader opportunities in the community health and development sector.
As I delved deeper into my master's program, an even
more ambitious goal took shape, when I enrolled in a doctoral program. This was
a dream I had quietly nurtured, and being accepted felt like the culmination of
all my academic aspirations. The thought of adding "Doctor" to my
name was almost surreal. I vividly remember attending my first doctoral
residency in Arizona, where I met fellow students at various stages of our
doctoral programs. At that time, I was a first-year student, awed by those
wearing second-, third-, and fourth-year badges. Our classes took place on the
same floor of a large complex, and we often crossed paths in the dining room
and corridors. They seemed like seasoned veterans, and I couldn’t help but
wonder about the wisdom and experiences they carried.
As time passed, I transitioned from a wide-eyed
newcomer to someone wearing a second-year badge, then a third-year badge, and
eventually the coveted final-year badge. The sense of accomplishment was
palpable. I found myself reflecting on the students just beginning their
journeys, wearing their first- and second-year badges, and I saw reflections of
my own earlier journey in them—the same mix of excitement, nervousness, and
hope.
Yet, beneath the pride and sense of progression, I
began grappling with deeper questions about the path I was on. What would my
doctorate mean for me and my career? How would it change my life in practical
terms? Like many others, I had envisioned that earning a doctorate would unlock
doors to executive positions—Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer,
Director, or other prestigious C-suite roles. But as I advanced, the reality
began to feel less certain, more ambiguous. Ultimately, even CEOs, COOs, and
other senior executives may be terminated.
A doctorate cannot serve as a protective barrier.
I observed that certain of my classmates were
sponsored by their employers and were employed in positions that were
consistent with their academic interests during my doctoral journey. The doctorate could be a leverage point for
their professional advancement within their field or organization. Would such promotions be sufficient, or would
their newfound doctoral advantage inspire them to pursue superior opportunities
elsewhere?
My situation was unique. At that time, I was unemployed, not actively
seeking employment due to the considerable demands of my doctoral education,
and I did not have a guaranteed position upon graduation. I pursued knowledge and all the degree would
offer, expecting work opportunities to emerge later.
I also contemplated the notion of alignment—how
closely one’s academic qualifications correspond to their professional
trajectory. A teacher seeking a
doctorate in education may possess a clear and obvious path. However, for a someone in education getting a
doctorate in health management, the relationship was less direct.
Even though the career path ahead was not as linear as
I would have desired, my academic pursuits for a doctorate in health
administration were relevant and aligned due to my background and experience in
the healthcare industry.
For some of my peers, the challenge was even more
complex. They had backgrounds in one field, pursued doctorates in unrelated
disciplines, and later sought careers in yet another area. This misalignment
often made the transition from academia to the workforce more challenging.
As I neared the end of my doctoral program, I faced a
sobering realization: finding a job that perfectly matched my doctorate, and
previous experience might not be easy. But instead of feeling disheartened, I
began to see a new possibility—one that had quietly been forming in the
background.
What if I used my doctorate not to fit into an
existing role but to create something new? What if I applied my new skills to a
lower category of existing work, thereby enhancing its potential within the
organization? What if I built my own organization, drawing on my unique blend
of experiences and knowledge? This idea sparked something in me—a realization
that success doesn’t have to follow a traditional path. I recalled lessons from
my master's courses on entrepreneurship, lessons I had absorbed but never
seriously considered applying. Perhaps the key to my future lay in stepping
away from the familiar path of employment and forging my own.
My academic journey taught me more than just facts,
theories, and research methods. I am a scholar first, a practitioner, and leader!
It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of self-reflection. I
learned that higher education isn’t just about getting a better job or making
more money—though those are valid goals. It’s about expanding your horizons,
challenging your assumptions, and discovering new ways to define success. The
ability to apply what you have in any role even ones considered less important.
Shortly after graduating with my doctorate, I pursued
a certificate in data sciences, an area of interest for me. I continue to carry
out research activities and mentorship activities.
So, what have I truly learned about pursuing advanced
degrees? It’s this: success is deeply personal. It can be measured by titles,
salaries, and promotions, but it can also be defined by the courage to pursue
your passions, the drive to create something meaningful, and the willingness to
embrace uncertainty.
For me, the doctorate wasn’t just an endpoint—it was a
launch-pad into further scholarship, practice and leadership. And the journey,
with all its twists and turns, has been as valuable as the degree itself. That doctoral
journey triggers new pathways and journeys so there’s no end as such.
I share this perspective with mentees and alumni alike
when I engage in collaborative research on various research topics.
About the Author
Dr. Chaava, an alum of the University of Phoenix, is
an accomplished healthcare professional with a diverse academic background,
including a Bachelor of Science in Management, a professional degree in Medical
Laboratory Sciences (Hematology and Blood Group Serology), a master’s in
healthcare administration, and a doctorate in health administration. With 25
years of experience in healthcare and a passion for lifelong learning, Dr.
Chaava has navigated the challenges of academic pursuits and career transitions
with resilience and introspection. He is committed to inspiring others to
achieve success. He explores various approaches to defining success, including
the inherent value of degrees, the importance of employment, entrepreneurship,
and fostering a mindset focused on innovation. With a strong emphasis on
community health and development, he strives to create a lasting impact at
local, regional, and international levels. mmchaava@gmail.com
