I embarked on a PhD at 53; this is what I learned

AFTER 25 years of corporate life, I went back to school to get a PhD. Deciding whether to do it was tough. Looking around, I found much to learn and so much to do; there were so many online courses and seminars available.

My years of corporate experience, though, taught me that some level of validation or recognition for what you do is just as important.

Perhaps, also, it was a need for self-satisfaction, coupled with a pinch of fear of losing out, that led me down this road.

My journey started at a turning point in my life, as I was attempting a life of semi-retirement. Alas, the workaholic in me was stirring within a matter of weeks. I found myself itching to do something, anything, to keep busy.

Sure, I was on a number of boards and getting the occasional buzz from having to read 400-page reports. When the high was over, I was back to my contemplative mode.

To fill the void, I sought the advice of a few friends and boiled my options down to three:

First, I could hang up my boots and call it a day. Play the stock market, travel and enjoy life. I would have no stress, no pressure and no responsibilities. I would, however, get bored easily, and I would crave a sense of worth.

Second, I could return to the corporate world. This would imply a maintenance of the status quo – doing what I do best, but trying to do it better.

Yet, how long could I stay relevant? Would I need new skills to fulfil the increasing requirements of the future? Would I need to learn to manage newer technologies such as artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies? How would I compete 10 years down the road?

These questions led to option three, which was to learn something new or acquire a skill that would potentially future-proof my career. The best analogy I can think of is a tune-up of the old engine to improve performance.

Getting a PhD would also fulfil a personal goal I had from 25 years ago.

Even after deciding that the third option would be the wisest course of action, some doubts lingered in my mind.

I was unsure whether this additional degree would make a difference in what I did. I was not keen on an academic career as yet, and I knew that getting a PhD would take a lot of energy and commitment.

Another consideration was whether I had the energy and ability to reactivate my studying muscles, which had not been heavily used for a while. At 53, was I too old for this?

In the end, these doubts were outweighed by other practicalities. The economy was not all that great at that time, and the pandemic was changing the way we worked and lived.

I had time to kill, so I thought to myself: ‘Why not?’

In hindsight, I believe my decision was a good one. I got the chance to brush up on academic fundamentals – strategy, statistics and economics, to name a few – and I also got to interact with students from diverse backgrounds.

I learned a lot from these economists, startup executives, crypto asset managers, consultants and business owners.

Another exciting part of my experience was the opportunity to do in-depth case studies. We analysed, evaluated and discussed these cases through the lenses of students from different backgrounds.

After the initial 23 months of intensive pure academic work, we commenced preparation for our dissertations. We had to dive into a topic, and support our arguments with data and relevant analysis using a structured approach.

My PhD journey started in December 2020 and ended in April 2023. I felt good about completing this in under 2½ years, despite being the oldest student in class.

Not only do I get bragging rights for the rest of my life, I also hope to differentiate myself from others in my cohort in terms of potential career-progression opportunities.

Going back to school was a humbling experience. It was also hard work, but it was work that was well worth it as it challenged my mind, stimulated my thinking and reactivated muscles I had not used for a while.

What I realised is that you are never too old to learn. It is just about finding the time, discipline and enthusiasm to start and complete the journey.

If I can do it, I am sure many others can too.

The writer is consulting executive director at Deloitte South-east Asia