7: Dissertation Preparation: It's Never Too Early to Start
Most folks enter their doctoral programs not giving much thought to the dissertation. It’s often considered a non-urgent requirement that’s not due until the end of the program. Yes, you have some time to complete your project, but if you’re not careful, that dissertation can sneak up on your quickly, leaving you stressed and depressed. Here are some tips to prevent dissertation stress years before you embark on your final project:
- Begin thinking about your topic as soon as possible.
What interests you? What population do you want to study? What variables ultimately tie back to your dream job? These questions will help you begin to refine your dissertation topic before reaching the critical fourth year.
- Practicality is key.
Remember to be reasonable and practical as you begin to consider topics. Oftentimes, students aren’t sure what is reasonable as it pertains to dissertation research so it’s important to consult with your advisor and other faculty members for guidance. Remember, if your project is too ambitious, you may not be able to finish. The only good dissertation is a completed dissertation!
- Research what you know.
The dissertation is not a good time to learn something new. Yes, you should be able to contribute new knowledge to the field, but your topic should cover ideas and concepts that you’re already familiar with. Begin cultivating knowledge on your desired topic as early as possible so that you won’t have to teach yourself completely new concepts later.
- Cultivate your committee.
While it’s important to begin researching your topic early, it’s also important to begin cultivating your committee as early as possible. Your committee holds the decision to block you or advance you—as such, you need to do everything in your power to ease and respond to their concerns about your project. Chat with them early and often about your topic and get a sense of what concepts, theories, or analyses they want you to cover.
These tips are useful for streamlining your dissertation project while eliminating obstacles before they begin. It’s important to begin your dissertation journey early so that you are prepared for anything that awaits. Good luck!
~Inez
