Opening the way to obtaining a doctorate is not a decision that can be taken lightly, academically speaking. It could be said that in the story of your life, this would be a turning point, and from then on, you should take it in a better way, with a higher degree of commitment, always keeping in mind the pursuit of knowledge, which goes beyond the comfort zone. This must be a desire that you must keep alive in order to leave a mark in the intellectual world, maintaining discipline and a fixed goal.
In much of South America, there has been great enthusiasm for doctorates. It is something that has grown quite regularly, until it has become a reality that surrounds us. In fact, data provided by UNESCO states that the number of students pursuing a doctorate in that region is much higher, around 35% in the last decade, with average ages exceeding 37 years. That is, there are more and more professionals, like you, who have a career, family, and responsibilities.
Despite the initial enthusiasm and what the figures may reflect, undertaking a doctorate is a long and demanding experience. To help you make this important decision, we have gathered 12 key lessons worth considering before starting the doctoral path.
Waiting for everything to fit can be an elegant way to postpone your own dreams. Most of those who embark on a doctorate do so while working or taking care of their family.
A study conducted by the University of Buenos Aires revealed that 68% of doctoral students have a full-time job. There are no empty schedules or ideal conditions, only brave decisions.
At the beginning, everything feels exciting, ideas flow, plans are drawn, and the future seems clear. But as time goes by, the endless early mornings arrive, the readings that seem never-ending, and the deadlines that pile up one after another. That’s when one discovers that motivation is not enough. What really keeps the course is constancy, that routine that is repeated even when there is no desire.
The Ecuadorian professor, Carlos Rossi, had postponed for years his dream of earning a doctorate due to the demands involved, mostly in the time between work and family. However, at AIU he managed to find the flexibility he was looking for to fulfill his responsibilities and was even able to complete two doctorates in Education and Human Resources, thus demonstrating that being constant is one of the best positions one can take. “AIU allowed me to achieve very big dreams,”
he said to summarize his experience.
Doing a doctorate is not something that can be done in solitude. Behind every student there is a family, friends, and colleagues who support the process, even if sometimes it is not visible.
Therefore, before starting, take a moment to talk with the people who accompany you daily, your partner, your children, your boss, or that friend who always listens to you. Tell them what’s coming, how your routine will change, and why this step means so much to you. When your people understand what you are pursuing, they cease to be mere spectators and become an essential part of the journey, your support network, your refuge when things get uphill.
Studying online sounds ideal, you can progress at your own pace, from wherever you want, and without fixed schedules. But that freedom comes at a price: everything depends on you. For example, Silvia Godoy, from Paraguay, completed her Master’s degree in 2020 while also working as vice-rector, which was very advantageous since it allowed her greater flexibility and she could progress more comfortably. However, it was her persistence, discipline, and organization that led her to advance much more while others rested.
It’s not just about writing hours in a calendar; it’s about keeping your mind clear. According to a study by Nature Education (2023), doctoral students who combine exercise, rest, and good nutrition achieve up to 25% more productivity in their research.
Sleeping well, taking small breaks, and watching what you eat is not a luxury or a whim: it’s the way to maintain energy, focus better, and in the end, move forward with more clarity in your work.
At some point, you will surely feel inadequate, thinking that your topic doesn’t matter or that you’ll never see the end of the road. And that’s fine: all doctoral students have been there. Those doubts are not signs of failure, but of progress and facing something truly new. A mentor used to tell his group, “If today you feel lost, don’t worry. That means you’re exploring a territory no one else has traveled… and that’s exactly what a researcher does.”
Doing a doctorate is a long road, and having someone to accompany you can change everything. It’s not just about finding an expert; look for someone you can truly connect with, someone who understands your values, doubts, and ambitions.
Sometimes those mentors are not around the corner, but online communities like ResearchGate or LinkedIn are full of people who have gone through the same and can guide you. Having someone like that by your side not only gives you guidance, but it also saves you years of stumbles and makes the journey much more bearable and full of learning.
Every page you manage to write, every citation you review, and every productive conversation with your tutor truly count. They are concrete steps that bring you closer to your goal, even if you don’t always feel it.
The doctoral path is rarely straight; there are days of progress, days of pause, and moments when everything seems to go back to the starting point. That’s why learning to recognize and celebrate those small achievements, even if they seem insignificant, is what keeps you energized and focused. Every step, no matter how small, adds up and reminds you that you are moving forward.
Truly ask yourself, “Why do I want this doctorate?” Some pursue it for professional growth, others to leave a legacy or contribute something to their community. There are no wrong answers, but it’s essential to be clear about your reason. Because when those long, exhausting days arrive, when nothing seems to move forward, that reason will be your compass. It will keep you standing and remind you what all this effort is about. During the whole process, learn how to project your professional image.
A doctorate is not just a title on the wall; it’s an opportunity to transform yourself professionally and personally. According to the World Bank, PhDs in Latin America are almost twice as likely to hold leadership positions or become specialized consultants in their fields.
And the best part is that it’s not just about academia: with a doctorate, you can open paths in innovation, public policy, entrepreneurship, or technology. It’s like having a passport that lets you explore new territories and do things that once seemed far away.
The more you learn, the more you realize how vast the academic universe is. No one knows everything, and that’s okay. Being willing to listen and learn from others, even your students or colleagues, doesn’t make you less of an expert; on the contrary, it makes you a stronger and more respected researcher. That mix of humility and constant curiosity is what truly distinguishes you and helps you grow every day.
Investing in your education is not just about improving your career: it’s about planting seeds of change in the world around you. Every thesis, every project can become something that inspires and transforms. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” And indeed, it’s true.
Your doctorate will not only mark your professional path; it can also be an example for those around you, showing that it’s never too late to learn, research, and leave a positive mark on society.
Starting a PhD is not just about collecting degrees. It is a journey that changes the way you think, the way you see the world, and how you find solutions that really matter. That is when you will discover
the power of a PhD in today's world.
There will be days that leave you exhausted, when everything feels too heavy. But there will also be moments that surprise you, full of discoveries that make it all worthwhile. Moments of solitude will alternate with the great satisfaction of knowing that your work contributes, even a little, to everyone’s knowledge.
Every effort you make leaves a mark, a little piece of your intellectual legacy. So if that desire is there, beating inside you, don’t wait for everything to be “perfect.” Take the first step. Your future begins the moment you decide to move forward, and everything else will build from there; dare to transform your career and leave an intellectual mark while facing challenges and discovering the opportunities that a doctorate offers.