The journey to a PhD: What to expect and how to succeed

Earning a PhD is one of the most intellectually and personally demanding achievements in academia. It requires not only academic excellence, but sustained focus, resilience and a clear sense of purpose.  

At Stellenbosch Business School, the PhD programme is designed to develop thought leaders who can contribute both theoretical insight and practical solutions to pressing global and African challenges. Dr Wisdom Zimuto’s story illustrates what the journey looks like – and what it takes to succeed. 

“Education can define a career path but it is also a path to acquire knowledge for broader benefit to society. For me, attaining a PhD was not for promotion purposes at my current work, but a goal to contribute to society and continent at large,” says Wisdom.  

Purpose comes first 

The first step to embarking on a PhD is clarifying your research purpose. Stellenbosch Business School looks for applicants who are not only academically capable, but who are motivated to generate meaningful knowledge in one of the School’s four research areas: Development Finance, Business Administration, Futures Studies or Coaching. 

For Wisdom, the motivation to apply stemmed from a desire to address Africa’s economic inequalities through integrated markets. Raised in a rural Zimbabwean village and having studied accounting and development finance, he was determined to explore solutions for Africa’s economic challenges: “I wanted a qualification that would provide not only knowledge but practical solutions for problems besetting our beloved continent.” 

Coursework and research proposal 

In the first year of the PhD, students complete discipline-specific coursework that sharpens their theoretical grounding and methodological skills. Candidates must also develop and defend a detailed research proposal before advancing to the thesis stage. 

For Wisdom, the Economic Development Perspectives in Africa module during his Mphil was transformative and helped shape his understanding of the structural issues affecting the continent. 

“That module was the game changer… it’s the backbone of everything I’ve researched. African problems will only be solved by Africans, which is why I embarked on this journey so that I will also contribute to the development of our continent.” 

The long research phase 

Once the proposal is accepted, students transition into the research phase – a multi-year journey of data collection, critical analysis and iterative writing. At Stellenbosch, this phase includes one annual on-campus block session with the rest of the time dedicated to independent supervised research. 

Wisdom’s research explored stock market integration, intra-African trade and welfare in selected African countries – a complex and highly relevant topic for regional development. 

Overcoming challenges: When things don’t go to plan 

Completing a PhD rarely happens without setbacks. Illness, family responsibilities or work pressures can all disrupt progress. What matters is how candidates respond. 

During his PhD, Wisdom fell seriously ill with Covid-19 and needed six months to recover. Not long after, a legal dispute with his employer forced him to pause his studies again. There were times, he says, when he was tempted to quit as he struggled to find the perfect balance for his studies, family, work and business. But quit he did not.  

“Always communicate your challenges to your supervisor. Stellenbosch University has a support system that helps students cope. I am indebted to my supervisor Dr Nanziri for the support during the challenging times.” 

Balancing study, work and life 

Many doctoral candidates are working professionals with families and other commitments. Successfully balancing these requires structure and support. 

While completing his PhD, Wisdom was also running Busti Bras, a retail business employing over 20 full-time staff. He credits careful delegation and team-building for helping the business operate in his absence: 

“Put systems in place…Identify talent in your organisation so it runs even when you’re absent.” 

Wisdom also served as class representative, helping to build a peer learning environment that supported others in the cohort. “Being their class representative meant I got to learn more about each person – and our continent.” 

Strategies for success 

From his experience, Wisdom offers five powerful tips for staying on track: 

• Align your topic with your purpose – personal meaning will sustain your motivation; 
• Keep in regular contact with your supervisor – communication is key; 
• Use peer networks – don’t isolate yourself; 
• Protect your mental health – take time outdoors and lean on family support; and 
• Plan ahead – structure your time and prepare for disruptions. 

Beyond the thesis: What a PhD unlocks 

A PhD is more than a degree – it positions you as a subject expert, opens up opportunities for policy influence and teaching, and builds a foundation for long-term impact. Stellenbosch Business School graduates have gone on to lead organisations, publish impactful research, and contribute meaningfully to their industries and communities. 

Wisdom continues to build his business, mentor entrepreneurs and contribute to Africa’s development agenda through research and advocacy. “My mission is to become a leading authority on Africa’s development agenda by producing impactful research and advancing innovative solutions.” 

Calling on future leaders 

Wisdom’s journey shows that a PhD is for those with vision, courage and perseverance. His advice to future candidates is clear: stay rooted in your purpose, ask for support, and don’t let where you come from limit where you can go. 

“Work hard, persevere, and believe in your dreams and capabilities. It is not your background that will determine how far you go in life, but your ethos of hard work, self-belief and determination. If you believe, you will achieve.” 

Pursuing a PhD is a rigorous and rewarding experience. It challenges the way you think, expands your worldview and develops your voice as a thought leader. Embark on your PhD journey at Stellenbosch Business School – we can’t wait to welcome you!