A New Normal

Last Updated on: 10th February 2022, 11:44 am

Just think, two months ago you were blissfully finishing up classes, starting on your dissertation path, or collecting data for your research. Then the COVID-19 crisis hit.

How quickly things have changed. You may be reeling from the massive shifts and unsure about how they will affect your ability to finish your degree.

My main message to you is, don’t worry! You should still be able to finish. I will go through a number of situations here and provide some suggestions.

Data Collection

If you are in this phase of your dissertation, this may appear to be the most dire need that may be unmet. If your research design is to collect data through face-to-face interviews it has suddenly become much more difficult in a world of social distancing and fear. There are potential solutions.

First, it is very important to be in communication with your dissertation chair and committee. Perhaps you can collect data via phone call or another medium such as Zoom or Facetime. This may require new IRB approval and some explanation in your dissertation but it would be an easy solution.

Second, you may be far enough into your data collection that your committee will concede that you have enough data to go forward with your analysis. There is no magic number to determine what is enough. This too will entail a great deal of conversation with your Chair and your committee. Remember, your dissertation is designed to allow you to show your grasp of the research process. Collecting slightly less data than planned may not hinder your ability to show your understanding of the process.

Third, If you have not started the data collection process but had planned on face-to-face interviews you may want to redesign your study (I know this is a lot of work) or wait until conditions change. However, we do not know what the future will look like so waiting may not be a viable solution. Also, waiting means continuing to pay tuition.

Finally, unless you are using secondary data you will want to take a close look at your research design and assumptions. Even a computer-delivered survey may give you results different than expected depending upon your field of study and topic. For example, perceptions of leaders may be much different post-layoffs. Continue to stay in touch with your committee in order to move forward.

Finding a Job

Many people want to pursue academic jobs when they finish their dissertation. This is an admirable goal. However, schools may not find their new normal for a while. All of the schools that were not deep into online education have now joined in on the online distribution system. Will this continue? Will existing faculty want to and be able to make the transition? These and other questions loom over collegiate education today.

One big question for schools is enrollment. Will all of the students come back in the fall – assuming life returns to near normal by then? I can foresee a future where many students decide not to return to campus. Some may like online education, some may decide this is a convenient way to stop their college education, and some may have found other pursuits that interest them more. This uncertainty may influence academic hiring decisions.

Summary

The pandemic is impacting almost all areas of our lives and no one knows what the future may bring. For those of you deep into your dissertation and those just beginning, my best advice is communication. Talk to your Chair and your committee, ask their advice. Let them help you navigate your way towards a completed dissertation. This experience is new for your committee members as well but they have the experience to help you find alternatives if needed.

Finally, take time to breathe and consider all options. A new normal will appear and it may be nothing like we have known in the past. Be flexible and open and you will find your way through all of this.

PS. Need help adapting to the current situation? As a coach, I can help you finish your degree or find a job. See my Dissertation Coaching and Academic Career Coaching services for more information.