Ada DembDaring the Doctorate: The Journey at Mid-Career

I recommend this research to anyone considering pursuit of a doctorate. While it is focused on a particular area (higher education leadership), the themes that developed through the interview-based discussions with 16 people who finished the program are likely to be applicable to anyone who is mid-career and is considering going beyond a masters degree. This work will help anyone who is not necessarily knowledgeable about what to expect while obtaining a doctorate. It helps the reader to understand what it's can be like to combine pursuit of a terminal degree with many other demands, such as an existing professional role, family responsibilities, etc.The research also has value for university faculty who are currently advising mid-career doctoral students/candidates, as the nature of their journey is different than for those who continue straight through from undergraduate/masters work into a doctoral program

I read this book as I was contemplating pursuing a doctoral degree in 2013. The book provided me with such clarity about my reasons for considering a doctoral program while also providing insights from real doctoral students with a variety of personal and professional challenges. Now, that I am enrolled in a doctoral program this book is even more useful because now I have the context to use the information and advice provided in this book. I consider reading Daring the Doctorate a must for those considering a doctoral program and for those currently in one. Thank you Dr. Demb for writing this book; it's been a Godsend!

Wonderful book. I'm currently pursuing my PhD part time in Biomedical Engineering and it was inspirational to read about students in similar situations.

I did not find this book very helpful or engaging. There are better books out there for those who don't have a clue about whether or not they should pursue a doctoral degree

I read this book after hearing Dr. Demb speak about her research, and once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down even though I wish the editors had put a bit more effort into cleaning up the manuscript. I came back to school at 33 because I always wanted the PhD and because becoming a professor will allow me to craft the type of career I want to have. I did an enormous amount of research before coming back, but even so, I learned a great deal from this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about going back to school for a PhD and to any "older" students who are already pursuing a PhD. The statistics in the book amazed me because, even though I have felt "older" and somewhat out-of-place over the past year, there are in fact many "older" students pursuing the PhD. Some of the findings in this book and some of the frameworks that draw comparisons with cross-cultural adaptation will help me as I move forward in my journey to obtain the PhD. This research is important for students themselves but perhaps even more important for academic advisors, mentors, and others who work with students. I hope Dr. Demb's findings reach a wide audience.

I am a newly graduated PhD. The book is phenomenal. Demb has done such a fine job of giving voice to and explaining the nuances and intricacies of the doctoral experience. It has been a wonderful vehicle to decompress, reflect and integrate all that the PhD journey entails. I see myself and those in my cohort within the passages, telling me that we are perfectly normal and that our struggles were not unusual at all. As I savor this book, the guilt piece, both internally and externally placed, has been moving through me as I have been forgiving myself for being "selfish" and taking this time away from my family while earning this degree. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to prospective PhD students, those currently living the experience, and those who have already finished. It will help you to understand the process, support you along the way, and help you to debrief after you graduate. More broadly, and just as importantly, this book would be a significant source of information for spouses, partners, family and friends in order to provide the necessary support through the doctoral students' arduous uphill journey...as important as oxygen.

Dr. Demb's book provides invaluable insight into the doctoral degree journey for mid career professionals. After having just completed my second year of doctoral studies I had a difficult time putting this book down. The perspectives shared by Dr. Demb's advisees who were successful in earning their Ph.D.s illuminate the path before me, complete with stumbling blocks, pitfalls, and the dreaded "walls" some students encountered. The diverse experiences of those interviewed mirrored many of my own and recounted experiences I hope not to have. This read was "just what the doctor ordered" at this point in my studies. In fact, it has given me guidance that has increased my self-efficacy - my confidence in my ability to succeed. Thank you, Dr. Demb, for bringing this amazing book to us. I'm sure it will benefit not only mid career Ph.D. students, but their advisors, faculty, and families, as well.

Great read. It really put the doctorate degree journey into perspective for me. It also gave me the encouragement to explore the next step in my own personal educational journey.