DBA (Doctor of Business Administration): After you graduate

"I finished my MBA at Kingston in 1997 – after two hard but fulfilling years I was certain enough was enough, so why in 1999 did I find myself sitting at the launch of Kingston's new DBA programme? Well, I found that I missed the challenge of research, the appeal of exploring a topic that fascinated me, the opportunity to interact with fellow students from an amazingly diverse spectrum and the chance to learn and practice new skills under the guidance of the Kingston tutors. The Kingston DBA course structure suited me with weekend lectures rather than mid-week commitments that I would never be able to keep.

"Thanks to the support of my employers Coty Beauty UK and Boots The Chemist who endorsed my research, I have completed a review of the role of store atmospherics on consumer behaviour when purchasing cosmetics. The experience has been a huge challenge requiring great commitment in terms of time and energy and was only achieved with the support of Kingston, my family and friends, and my fellow course mates at our monthly ‘group hugs' when lots of encouragement was shared. Completion of the research is a proud moment and the learning experience is highly rewarding. Good luck to all of you who embark on this journey."

"I can honestly say that my enthusiasm for the DBA grew over the whole four years. It was stimulating to meet people from different backgrounds all striving to achieve the same goal, but with very different interests and research areas. It helped too, that the work I was doing – relating to teleworking – was of real benefit to the sponsors, Lloyd's of London.

"There is no doubt of course that completing a DBA takes a lot of commitment. It's not something to be undertaken lightly. In my case I had the support of my employers, an indulgent and forgiving family, the mutual support of other DBA students and of course the help and guidance of supervisors and staff of the University.

"But commitment does not have to be all-consuming. At the same time as starting the DBA I also undertook to achieve another personal goal – learning to fly an aeroplane. In fact I got my 'wings' before the degree and bought a share in a small plane (I said my family was indulgent) nicknamed accurately if a tad unimaginatively 'Oscar Tango'. And it is quite possible on a sunny 'Kingston weekend' in the summer to finish Saturday's work, get to Le Touquet in time for dinner, and be back bright eyed and bushy tailed for the Sunday session. I know – I have done it!"