Student Experience

During the dissertation process, my committee chair continuously reinforced the idea of creating something "substantial and significant." He would remind me that if I would take the time to produce high quality research that it would be recognized and serve much more good than simply finishing my degree requirements. With his help and a lot of hard work, I created a dissertation that was named the top-selling dissertation of 2005 worldwide and was the third best-selling dissertation in 2006. The work was difficult, but with the support of the University of Phoenix faculty and structure, I was able to contribute to the world of leadership!

Finding one's passion is an important aspect of the doctoral journey. Early in my doctoral studies at University of Phoenix, several of my faculty members emphasized the importance of identifying a dissertation topic that I was passionate about. Their wise advice was instrumental as I pursued my research efforts involving a social network study of tacit knowledge sharing among individuals in four different countries. My passion was rewarded by a sense of accomplishment in my contribution to the body of knowledge, as well as an award for best quantitative dissertation of the year. Additionally, I have had the privilege of presenting a paper based on my research at the annual meeting of a leading scholarly management association.

My doctoral preparation and the dissemination of my dissertation research have provided me opportunities to present at local, regional, national and international professional nursing conferences. Additionally, I infuse my doctoral learning into my daily practice as director of nursing and as a Magnet appraiser.

Registered nurses are the heart and soul of health care. My constant mission is providing a workplace environment that supports autonomy and provides resources, opportunities, information and support to generate nursing research and use of evidence-based approaches to improving patient care.

The experience of writing my dissertation involved a frightening reality: I had to abandon much of my knowledge and competence and run blindly through unchartered territory, secretly feeling that I would come out all right. This paradoxical act is precisely what I later discovered is mandatory for success in the doctorate program. Looking back, why would I have wanted to remain who I was? I was not a doctor, so why stay that way? Since making the decision to change, I have never stopped changing. I now truly believe that I can either change things or make it difficult for things not to change.

I have presented my doctoral work in seminars and forums at a convention for a state-level education association. I have also presented at five colleges. I was featured on the front page of a newspaper in a story that showed how my work has positively affected the academic achievement of disruptive and resistant students projecting the "cool pose." I have been called upon by the director of professional development in my school district to provide training for the entire faculty on how to use the findings of my doctoral work in their classroom management strategies. In addition, I had an article published in the Journal of Leadership Studies. The aim of this article, as my entire dissertation experience has shown, is to either change things or make it awfully difficult for things not to change.

My research on Hispanic entrepreneurship has been highlighted in a number of business and academic publications. Additionally, I presented my dissertation research findings at a conference for a national small business association. My paper also was published in the conference proceedings. These opportunities took a little bit of effort to cultivate, but the research and insights were relevant to the publications' editors. I plan to publish more and be more engaged on an academic level, as I no longer consider my doctoral graduation day a destination, but rather the beginning of a journey of learning.

On a professional level, I'm making a meaningful and significant contribution to my organization while being recognized as a leader in my industry. At my company, I am recognized as a resource and go-to person because of my published research findings. The fact that I am doctorally prepared helps instill confidence in others that my knowledge in my subject area is deep and wide.

Additionally, I am a faculty member with the College of Undergraduate Business at University of Phoenix. My doctoral preparation has helped me to help other students as they complete their bachelor's degrees and pursue their dreams and passions. I enjoy the continuous learning environment and learning with students.

Earning my doctorate was not easy. However, my pathway was illuminated by a fantastic mentor, a supportive learning team and my family-all of whom gave of themselves to help me accomplish my goal of completing my degree and research.

The dissertation process at the University of Phoenix, School of Advanced Studies has significantly improved my research, writing and critical-thinking skills. I have a heightened appreciation for scholarly works and am better able to apply my skills.

As a senior-level leader in the United States government, I have successfully and effectively employed the knowledge, skills and abilities gleaned from the dissertation process. I often employ research from the dissertation process to improve the effectiveness of my organization, as well as the use of our performance evaluation systems by subordinate managers. I am frequently sought for information, assistance and guidance as an expert in my field.

Leadership literature has little documentation on the immigration and leadership experiences of immigrant women. It was an interesting opportunity for me to delve into an area of study that is relatively new. The participants' narratives about leadership experiences in a host culture are significant for leadership aspirants in the workplace, especially immigrant women. Significant information about the African culture, diversity in the workplace, and tools to help immigrant women succeed in the workplace were revealed by the study. The research is a good resource for organizational leaders and different aspects of the findings are being published in journals, which should enlighten many people.

On a personal note, my dissertation inspired me to start a networking and mentoring program for immigrant women. The women who attend the once-a-month meetings are very zealous about helping to mentor new and/or struggling immigrant women in their efforts to adapt to a new culture. The main aim of the program is to provide women with family and workplace coping and survival strategies.

For me, it was important my dissertation had a constant focus on business relevance. Building my career over three decades in one of the largest financial institutions in the world, I had numerous avenues for quantitative studies. Yet, I wanted to devote my energies in a qualitative dissertation which could be inspirational to others making the leap from a small business to an entrepreneurial firm. The demarcation between a small business and an entrepreneurial business is in the ability of the enterprise to grow beyond original knowledge bases without losing its market identity. It is much like a person remaining authentic throughout life's successes and failures.

Both my studies at University of Phoenix and my dissertation work have had a tremendous impact on the knowledge, skills, and talents I bring to all of my professional roles. Following the completion of my degree, I joined the graduate faculty of a college health care program. I am also the invited visiting professor at another university's nursing practice program. Additionally, my dissertation results will be published in a quarterly nursing administration journal.

The dissertation process is used to prove to the university and inform the world one is worthy of the title of “doctor” by demonstrating one can perform original research. In other disciplines, such as Doctor of Medicine, learners take exams to prove their worthiness to their university and world. Personally, I have enjoyed the dissertation process/journey much more than receiving a score on an exam. The dissertation is tangible, as one can actually sit down and read and study your work.

As I reflect on the dissertation process, I find I learned more than how to perform original research. I learned a great deal regarding my subject and myself. I have been honored to have several of my colleagues ask to read my work and I presented my research at a national meeting of a rural health association. I will also use my research to complete a fellowship paper for an organization of medical practice executives.

Yes, the dissertation process is much more than a score on a final exam as one’s dissertation is embedded in history in the Library of Congress. One’s dissertation is also dynamic as you share your research with the world and build on your work in the future. I am very pleased to have taken my dissertation journey.

University of Phoenix has a very good program whereby you have a mentor and committee members to assist and guide you through the dissertation process. I felt my mentor and committee members took a strong interest in making it their personal goal to help me through the various steps. They provided excellent comments and feedback on the countless number of drafts of my dissertation.

I was very proud to submit my dissertation for approval. After completing my dissertation and earning my doctoral degree, I have had opportunities to speak about mergers and acquisitions and the impact they can have on an organization. The doctoral experience at University of Phoenix was excellent and I was humbled by the amount of information I did not know.