In this edition of our Alumni Spotlight, we’re thrilled to feature an exceptional graduate of the Swiss School of Business and Management Geneva’s Online DBA program, Jordan Thurston, who has not only achieved impressive career heights but has also taken on the role of mentor to current DBA students. As a Senior Vice President and Senior Audit Manager at Citi, our featured alumnus exemplifies how SSBM Geneva’s flexible, high-quality doctoral programs enable professionals to advance their careers while making significant research contributions. In this interview, he shares his motivations, experiences, and insights that have fueled his journey from student to mentor, demonstrating the impact and applicability of the skills he gained through SSBM Geneva.
What motivated you to pursue an Online DBA program at our Swiss School of Business and Management Geneva?
I needed a doctoral program that was online, affordable, and allowed me to continue working full-time. SSBM’s Online DBA program hit the trifecta, allowing me to work and pursue my research.
Can you describe your overall experience with the Online DBA program? How did you manage your studies alongside your professional responsibilities?
My experience with SSBM’s Online DBA Program was great! Time management was my friend while studying alongside my full-time professional responsibilities.
What specific skills or knowledge from the DBA program have you found most applicable in your new role as Senior Vice President and Senior Audit Manager at Citi?
A skill set I developed as part of the SSBM DBA program is the ability to use a mixed methods approach when engaging in audits to determine the proper sampling type and sizes.
What advice would you give to current or prospective students considering the Online DBA program?
The best advice I can give to those who are on the fence about pursuing the SSBM DBA program is to take action and apply. It gives students the ability to further research while pursuing a professional career.
Our alumnus’s journey with SSBM Geneva highlights the unique benefits of the Online DBA program: flexibility, rigorous academics, and practical skills that make a tangible difference in high-stakes professional roles. Now a mentor, he encourages prospective DBA candidates to take the leap and apply, emphasizing the program’s compatibility with a full-time career. His story reflects the transformational potential of the DBA program at SSBM Geneva, where dedicated professionals can thrive, learn, and inspire the next generation of leaders in their fields.