Given the critical importance of technical knowledge and practical skills in today’s world, the Professional Doctorate in Administration, focusing on Finance at Fundação Getulio Vargas’ Sao Paulo School of Business Administration (FGV EAESP) stands out as an exceptional program. Alexandre Vitorino and Alison Ramon, students on the program, show how their academic journey is transforming their careers and contributing to the financial sector.

Alexandre Vitorino, a credit manager with 30 years of experience in the financial markets, decided to go back to school to combine his knowledge of fixed-income investments with areas such as pension savings and credit. “Today I think that professionals need to retrain at least every 10 years, because the breadth and depth of research in all fields is constantly expanding,” he says.

He sees the doctoral program at FGV as an extension of his master’s degree, complementing his professional career. “I want to achieve something deeper in terms of credit modeling and continue to study after my doctorate. I aspire to teach, write books and set up courses,” Alexandre adds.

Alison Ramon is products and services manager at Banco do Nordeste do Brasil and also the director of the Entrepreneurship Support Department at the Ministry for Development, Social Welfare, Families and the Fight Against Hunger. He says that the doctorate came at a crucial moment in his career. “I started my doctorate in November and received the invitation from the minister in February. I then shifted the focus of my dissertation to Brasilia, dealing with microcredit at a national level. The knowledge I’m acquiring from the doctoral program is making my work at the ministry easier,” he says.

Networking and up-to-date knowledge

Networking is another strong point of the course. “We’re able to exchange experiences and even projects between companies. The professional doctorate program’s Finance research area is extremely valuable, bringing together a diverse group of individuals who contribute to in-depth discussions,” he adds.

The doctorate has been instrumental in introducing practical and modern themes, such as ESG and the role of stakeholders. “FGV encourages a lot of networking, and the complementarity of the people in the class is surprising. The discussions are very fruitful and make you go home reflecting,” Alexandre says.

Knowledge aligned with practice

The doctoral program not only deepens theoretical knowledge, but also allows for direct and relevant applications in the business world. Alexandre says that the specific line of research in finance is essential. “The methodology part is very useful because it’s rigorous. We are exposed to the highest standards of academic publishing and literature review. The professional doctorate brings knowledge to both the academic community and the business world,” he says.

Alison highlights the practical application of what he learns on the course. “I worked on the technical side of Acredita, a federal government credit program, and I extensively discussed this work with FGV professors. The doctorate allows me to learn and discuss knowledge, incorporate it into my doctoral dissertation and apply it at work,” he says.

He sees the doctorate as a way of gaining knowledge, allowing him to apply for more senior positions. “I’m aiming at some professional goals and an international experience via FGV. I’ve always had to study and work at the same time. It requires sacrifice, but it’s rewarding,” he says.

FGV EAESP’s Professional Doctorate in Administration, focusing on Finance not only provides in-depth and specialized knowledge, but also fosters valuable networking and practical applications in the business world. Both Alexandre and Alison emphasize the program’s importance to their careers, showing how a combination of advanced studies and professional experience can lead to new levels of excellence.

To find out more about the Professional Doctorate in Administration Program, click here.