West Virginia University DBA dissertation defended

Yesterday, I successfully defended my DBA dissertation at West Virginia University.

The pursuit of the doctor degree has been a long journey for me. About 30 years, I almost finished my dissertation in Econometrics but it derailed due to my immaturity and decision to do a full time MBA at the same time (which pissed off the advisor).

Over the years, I attempted PhD in mechanical engineering and systems engineering at Colorado State University. While I did well in course work, I could not really come up with good dissertation research ideas because both my previous education and work did not have much engineering contents. In the mean time, getting professional certification such as CFA, FCAS (fellow of casualty actuarial society), and California bar license has taken a tons of time. The FCAS took about 5 years to get through all the exams and California Bar license took around 5 years.

The DBA for me is more about finishing something that I should have done a long time ago. Not sure if there is much ROI. At this point, I am about 60k poorer than otherwise. While I did get some adjunct opportunities, it seems not worthwhile financially.

For all the things I've done, the FCAS is most rewarding financially and professionally. With that, I got promoted to executive level in some major insurance companies, despite being a non English native speaker from Asia.

Financially, the CA bar license has some utility. As a side business, it's better than most other things I've explored. A law firm that I have been doing part time contract work actually offered to hire me full time. However, litigation can be very stressful. The hourly rate for an attorney does not match the hourly rate that I could make as an actuary with more than 20 years experience.

Pretty happy to get through the dissertation process. Well, need to start to pay the student loan in a few months.

 

Thanks.
I attended Northwestern California University School of Law when it was not accredited by Cal Bar so I had to take the baby bar after the first year.

 

Congratulations and we look forward to hearing about your continuing journey.

 

Congrats, Welcome to 1% club Dr. Lerner

 

Congrats, Dr. Lerner!

 

Congratulations, Dr. Life-Learner!

 

Congrats, I'm happy to see you achieved your dream and didn't give up.

 

Congratulations, Dr. Life-Learner!

 

Congratulations!

 

Congratulations, Doc!