Good project planning will help you make the most out of your thesis experience. Here are some pointers:
- Make sure you understand the requirements you must fulfill.
- What are the specific requirements for theses in your department?
- What type of sources will you need?
- How much information will you need?
- What kind of data will you need to collect?
- Manage your time properly.
- Start your thesis project with enough time.
- Establish a working schedule.
- Establish benchmarks.
- Be ready to work with obstacles.
- Anticipate difficulties in the research process.
- Give yourself leeway to refine or alter your topic as needed.
- Be willing to try different strategies as you conduct your research.
- Document your research process. Keep a record of:
- Databases you have consulted
- Search queries you have used
- Relevant sources you have located
- Know when you have enough information.
- Have you found sufficient quality information?
- Have you answered your research questions?
- Can you develop and support a coherent argument with the sources that you have?
- Do you have enough to fulfill your thesis requirements?
- Start writing with enough time.
- Give yourself time to analyze your sources. Consider how they tie together and help support the points you wish to make.
- Give yourself time to craft your written product. Make sure it effectively communicates the research you have done and the ideas you wish to express.
- Show drafts of your written product to others. Ask for their honest feedback, and take it into account.
- Prepare for your thesis presentation.
- Be very clear about what you wish to say and how you will support it.
- Anticipate possible questions you might get.
- Rehearse as much as possible.
- Enjoy the experience!
