EdD or Phd? / Now vs Later? (Higher Ed Administration)

[Cheeseman]

TL,DR: Should I wait to gain more work experience before starting a doctorate? Would I be too inexperienced or ambitious to be going straight into a PhD from my masters? Or should I really just focus on getting a full-time position first?

So I am in my second year of my MS in Higher Ed and Student Affairs program. I always like to have my extended plan so here are a couple of questions. Should I be waiting until I have more experience in student affairs before applying to these programs? My long term goal is to possibly teach at an institution, have higher level administration position, or a mixture of the two. I have had a handful of assistantships and internships in the field, and have taught elementary ed for a couple of years (26 if that helps with context).

Side note: I guess it could also depends on the program as well. Per my conversation with Northeastern EdD admissions advisor, I would not even be eligible since I do not have 3 years of full-time experience. But then American U mentioned that their cohorts represent a wide array people.  

Should I just relax and get some experience now? Or keep my educational momentum?

Thanks in advance for your advice. I am just feeling antsy prepping for next year.

[RyanS]

Experience in this field might matter more to some programs and less to others as evidenced by the different responses you got.  That being said, it would depend on your goals and what you want from your education.  Are you interested in certain programs (revel in the process of your education)?  Or do you want to get your degree and get on with your life (means to an end)?  I understand that going through the application process can be time consuming and costly, but really it's the only way to find out.

[AP]

I worked for several years before starting my PhD and I cannot say enough benefits from it. I do think you'd be in a better position, especially for your field, to enter the PhD with more field experience. Further, I've known several higher administrators doing their PhDs as they worked. It was like their work was their field work. 

of course, YMMV