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Waiting to Get Your Dissertation Accepted?
Last Updated on: 30th August 2022, 04:33 am
The dissertation journey can be a lonely one. Even if you are in a close cohort of people, there are still many times when you are on your own. Your dissertation committee may be helpful, but they are responsible for many students and may not be able to give you the level of support you need.
For these reasons and others (maybe you need someone to hold you to your commitments or provide moral support), many people look for a dissertation coach to help them along the way.
But how do you choose a dissertation coach? While there are generic life coaching certification programs available, there are no dissertation coaching certification programs. You’re on your own to decide whether someone is qualified.
How to Choose a Dissertation Coach
Here is my advice for how to choose a dissertation coach.
Have they written a dissertation?
The first thing that I would ask a potential dissertation coach is if they have successfully completed a dissertation themselves. They might know about the process, but if they haven’t gone through the experience they won’t have a full understanding.
As Lady Catherine de Bourgh said of her skill at the piano in Pride and Prejudice, “If I had ever learnt, I would have been a great proficient.”
You want a coach who has learned to play the piano–which in this case means having completed a dissertation. That person will understand the late nights, missed events, frustration, tears, elation, and everything else tied up neatly in the package of the phrase “I’m writing my dissertation.” Those that have been there can help you find your way through.
Have they served on committees?
Completing a dissertation is a wonderful accomplishment. You learn a great deal about yourself and the process while writing a dissertation. However, one time through as a student does not give you the complete picture.
When choosing a dissertation coach, you should look for someone who has served on many committees and in many different roles. This way you will get a coach who has seen many different approaches and who has dealt with many different personalities. The more experience your dissertation coach has the more helpful he or she will be for you.
Having someone on your side with the perspective of a dissertation Chair or committee member is an invaluable resource for you. They can see things the way your Chair might, see potential issues, and help you address their feedback much more quickly than you could on your own.
When students have asked me how to choose a dissertation coach, I always encourage them to look for someone who has chaired dissertation committees.
Have they coached others successfully?
Coaching requires a much different skillset than serving as a Committee Chair. You want someone who has been able to support others through the process successfully.
A Dissertation Chair has the power to tell a student what must be done. A coach needs to be able to help students navigate the requirements of chairs and committees and understand the perspective of committee members. Your dissertation coach will most likely be strong at this if he or she has coached others through this process successfully.
Pay attention to testimonials, and ask for references.
Are they an editor?
This is an interesting thing to consider. Hiring a dissertation editor may be just what you need if you are only looking for help with your writing. But, if you are looking for help with the entire process, someone who knows what you are going through and what you need to do, and has dealt with many dissertation committee members, then an editor may not be what you need.
How to choose a dissertation coach sometimes comes down to strategy–can you get all of your needs met in one place, rather than having to track down both a good coach and a good editor. This is especially important because a coach and an editor may have differing views.
Many dissertation coaches will do some editing when reviewing your work, but their value is beyond editing. They will offer you far more insight and support than a traditional dissertation editor will.
On the flip side, I found that coaching services on their own are not enough for students who need help with their writing. Because of this, I brought on a few trustworthy editors with whom I’ve worked closely over the years to make sure students get the help they need.
Do they offer a specific program or tailor their offerings to your needs?
There are advantages to both approaches. A coach takes every client through a system that they have found people benefit from. This type of program can provide great information and be helpful but cannot be all things to all people.
A coach who tailors his/her offerings looks at where you are in the process, what you are asking for, what you need to reach your goals, and what questions that you have. This type of approach is more personal and designed to fit your exact needs.
A dissertation coach with a long term view will also try to help you be set up to meet you post-graduate degree goals. The approach that you choose depends upon your desires and needs.
How to Choose a Dissertation Coach: Summary
Many people use a dissertation coach during their dissertation process. Finding a coach who has the needed skills can help you make progress faster and make the journey easier. Finding a dissertation coach with the background and skills that you need is important.
Look at the qualifications of any coach that you consider and see if they have the unique set of skills needed to help you move forward. In addition, I suggest that you have a phone conversation with any potential coach to determine how well you two can work together.
I hope I’ve thoroughly answered the question of how to choose a dissertation coach. Good luck!
PS. With 30 years of experience as a professor and a current Dissertation Chair, I know the dissertation process inside and out. Take a look at my dissertation coaching package, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions. The first consultation is free!
