Dr Eugene Yamnitsky

DBA Business Administration, 2020

What made you choose to study at Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University? 
I evaluated multiple schools in the US, UK, and Switzerland, and decided to apply to EBS,  thanks to the flexibility it offered to me as a working professional and father of four. I was completely in control of the pace of my progress and was able to speed up or slow-down depending on the situation. After doing a lot of research, I found that Heriot-Watt is not only a respected university, but is highly ranked in the UK, in the world, and is in fact the leader on specific subjects.  

Why did you choose to study an online DBA in Business Administration? 
Being a practitioner, I was intrigued with the DBA programme, because, unlike a PhD, it allowed me to conduct case-study based research on a topic that is closely aligned with my fields of work – Product Management, Project Management and Innovation. While most institutions in the US include a significant number of courses before the research phase, EBS (like many UK business schools) is focused on knowledge creation as soon as the candidate is versed in research methods.  

Has your DBA research helped you solve challenges in the workplace?   
Going through the program has taught me several skills that are indispensable in the workplace, especially in leadership positions. I learned how to synthesize large amounts of information into a coherent argument. Additionally, I learned how to apply critical thinking to problem solving. 

How would you summarise your time studying an online DBA with the Edinburgh Business School? 
It was a time like no other compared to my prior BSc and MBA studies. Each phase of the DBA program introduced a set of challenges I haven't dealt with before, and a set of new tools and skills introduced by my supervisor to handle these challenges. I worked many nights and weekends to keep a good pace, and I wouldn't have been able to accomplish this task without the support of my family, friends and colleagues. 

Tell us about your career since graduating from Heriot-Watt. 
A year ago, shortly after graduating from EBS I took on a new role at my company, heading up the Technical Program Management organisation. Having my thesis focused on project management approaches in product development was one of the key factors that helped me secure this role and was cited by my manager in his announcement to the company. Since taking on that role I have led several successful transformation efforts at my company.  
Additionally, in my last year with EBS, just before I graduated, I started teaching part-time in a local university. Working towards a doctoral degree was a significant plus and helped me land that teaching position.  

How has your DBA from Heriot-Watt University contributed to your career?  
I was leading a large product portfolio while studying at Heriot-Watt. Some of my responsibilities included developing product strategy and communicating it to a large organisation. The skills I learned in the DBA program helped me develop that vision and communicate it effectively.  

Can you tell us about any notable publications you have achieved since graduating from Heriot-Watt? 
Since graduation I published three papers, two of them with my supervisor from the DBA programme, and one on my own. While one publication reflected the findings of my main research, two other papers had to do with innovative ways of accomplishing an online doctorate and with conducting a unique interviewing technique remotely. I'm hoping these will serve future doctoral students and anyone doing online research.  

How has your online DBA benefited you personally? 
I can say with certainty, that the EBS DBA program helped me become a better communicator. I've received feedback from several people who noticed an increased clarity of communication and conciseness of argument. 

What advice do you have for current students? 
Online doctorate puts you through a series of challenges and requires a lot of personal commitment and perseverance to complete successfully in a timely manner. At times this can be tough, especially if you feel like you are doing this alone. I highly recommend joining the DBA student community on social media, where students at various stages support each other with advice, or even with a conversation on a non-DBA topic. This provides the feeling of community, which is an important support system.   

What is your lasting impression of Heriot-Watt University? 
EBS, Heriot-Watt University is a hidden gem that more people should leverage for their professional and academic careers. The rigour of the program and the support from advisors, mentors and supervisors was just phenomenal. 

What are your aspirations for the future? 
For your career? 
There are several possible directions my career can take from here, but one thing is certain – whatever role I'm in, I will continue setting up teams for success to ensure delivery of successful products to customers. I don't rule out a career in academia 5-10 years from now, as teaching is one of my passions. I also intend to write a book in a not-so-distant future.  
For your local and wider community? 
I continue teaching in the local university, delivering workshops in start-up accelerators, and mentoring early stage start-ups. These activities keep me on my toes and keep me connected to the growing entrepreneurial community in my area.