PhD Student Stories

The student view

I've been able to study with 18 different nationalities in a group of 20 students. The diversity of opinions and perspectives is truly remarkable.

If you want international exposure and practical learning, and you don't want to interrupt your work while you study, then ISM is the place to be.

Studying at ISM is a great way to learn, see the world, and expand your international network.

The flexibility that ISM offers is truly unparalleled. The ability to seamlessly transition between regular lectures and distance-based e-learning is yet another advantage.

Testimonials by program:

Student location:

In 2005, while I was living in Shanghai, I decided to pursue a doctoral degree to further my passion for teaching. Before enrolling at ISM, I did extensive research on accredited institutions, exploring which programs would offer the best combination of location flexibility and robust academic curriculum. There was only one program that fit my...

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Grace Chew, PhD Candidate from Singapore

The decision to start a doctoral program was not easy. However, I enjoyed the study and travelling to China, Paris, New York and Brazil to mingle with all the high quality cohorts and lecturers.

The decision to enroll in the ISM PhD in Business Administration was an interesting journey for me. I started to look for a suitable program in 2012. I...

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I have always studied while working, so when a fellow scholar mentioned ISM, I felt I was ready to take on that challenge. I started in fall 2019 and every interaction with ISM was smooth and friendly. I was looking forward to taking some courses in Paris and going to my hometown of NYC to take some courses there too.  

As I joined...

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I thoroughly enjoyed the Advanced Corporate Strategy seminar. Professor Weber was truly inspiring and he made this seminar interesting and motivating. His style of teaching brought out the best in the students, and the classroom format was an excellent mix of lectures, discussion, case studies and student presentations.

The materials covered in the...

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You should choose to study at ISM to obtain the benefits of its outstanding International Business programs. I studied in both Paris and New York and I enjoyed the interaction with the disciplines presented by the doctoral professors. I specifically enjoyed the two-week courses and subsequent research projects given at St. John's University in New York...

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Prior to joining ISM, I had done thorough research. I had compared the ISM PhD program with various universities from Europe. According to my personal research, the ISM PhD program was the most comprehensive in terms of professional development and teaching methodology. Moreover, I had contacted numerous ISM alumni and from every single resource, I...

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Kimberly Reeve, PhD Candidate from the USA

I knew that I didn’t want to leave my work for an extended amount of time. One of the things that I value about ISM is their flexibility in allowing us to essentially have the condensed modules where you're on site for three to four days at a time to take a course. I found it very helpful that you can break your coursework into manageable amounts so...

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The thing that first inspired me to apply to ISM was the flexibility and ability to attend courses in different countries. Prior to starting the program, I was working in academic business providing executive educational solutions and also teaching academic courses for level 3-7.

It was a brilliant experience meeting different lecturers from...

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ISM offered the only part-time PhD program in Europe at the time, and the program’s flexibility allowed me to study and work in parallel. From the very first class, there was an aura of celebration and a euphoric exchange of knowledge that continued in all ISM courses, creating an amazing feeling that I will never forget.

While studying, I attended...

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In 2013, I knew that I needed a higher academic license in order for me to accede to a choice position within my field of Electronic Engineering Technology. The competition is usually fierce in that environment and getting a PhD degree is what I needed to make me a good candidate for any executive promotion. Because I was under the obligation to be...

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After years of taking care of my family, I wanted to go back to school to earn my PhD and begin teaching. I wanted to be at an International School, to learn both locally and internationally.

I looked into many options, however, ISM was different. Matthew Werner, ISM Executive Director, took an interest in me, as person, and not as just another...

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I was first introduced to ISM when I was searching for high-ranking business schools. ISM’s ranking, global perspective, and the advanced elective courses the school offers inspired me to become a part of the ISM community. I had already received my Master's degree in Healthcare Management from the Royal College of Surgeons, National University of...

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Merit Al-Sayed, PhD Candidate from Jordan

I am incredibly fortunate to have pursued my PhD at ISM Paris. The level of care and interaction I received from the faculty, across academic disciplines is unrivaled. ISM has prepared me to be a good colleague and was personally enriching to myself despite living miles away from the school. I know that the “open door” policy shared by many faculty...

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I have a great deal of appreciation for the experience studying in the ISM PhD program provides me. The professors and students coming from all over the world are an invaluable resource to my professional and personal growth. I am particularly impressed by the New York summer session at St. John's University, where I had the opportunity to study at an...

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Olivia Choi, PhD Candidate from Canada

Strength and diversity across international markets should be the school’s mission statement --helping students really become students of the world.

Having worked in the financial industry for eight years and taught business statistics at University of Hong Kong for another six years, I find the ISM PhD program an ideal platform to further my...

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Prior to enrolling at ISM in 2009, I was looking for ways to improve my understanding of global business. Once I discovered ISM, I realized it was a good fit for me. At the time of my enrollment, I was very busy running my businesses and traveling across continents for official engagements. I needed a school that would allow me the flexibility to study...

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As the Chief Executive Officer of my business, it is not possible for me to abandon my work and do a full-time PhD course. ISM offered me a perfect match in terms of flexibility. In addition to flexibility, the quality aspect of the course is remarkable. The contents covered were very helpful for my application in the business world. The professors...

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Ram Ramachandran, PhD Candidate from the USA

My due diligence before selecting ISM included talking to several alumni and current students. There was a resounding endorsement for the program curriculum and faculty members. Since joining my PhD program, I have found the validations to be absolutely true. ISM administration ensured that the onboarding process was smooth and were easily accessible...

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The first thing that impressed me about ISM was the prompt and professional responses from the staff and administration. I work in academia as a program director and yet it was a daunting prospect for me personally to think about the process for making application, interviewing and starting courses in a PhD program. I had explored a number of options...

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Once your non-academic career starts, a PhD is little more than a dream as traditional programs allow for only full-time students. ISM changes that. This highly-accredited doctoral program makes a PhD or DBA attainable for the non-traditional student, making the elusive doctorate a reality.

What I enjoyed most about studying with ISM in New York and...

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