What is Dissertation and Thesis Coaching?

Dissertation coaching consists of an individualized program to help the graduate student successfully propose and defend their dissertation. It also includes guidance and help in maintaining motivation whether the student is beginning, in the middle, or struggling to end  their dissertation.

Who Would Seek Dissertation and Thesis Coaching?

Graduate students who would seek dissertation coaching are seeking help in developing a simple, straightforward method to help them get started or finish their dissertation, or simply increase their motivation and productivity. The dissertation coach will work with the student to learn and use proven strategies to successfully complete and defend their dissertations, and earn their masters or doctoral degrees.

Completing a dissertation is one of the most challenging tasks faced by graduate students. The dissertation can be overwhelming, frightening, and even seem impossible at times. For many graduate students, completing a dissertation leads to procrastination, avoidance, anxiety, & self-doubt. Difficulty completing a dissertation can also contribute to relationship, financial, career, and confidence issues.

Sometimes, external factors can affect the student's effectiveness in completing their dissertation. For example, students who have families and/or work full time, may feel overwhelmed with stress and the feeling that they do not have enough time each week to make progress. Also, students that have moved to a different state or city as their graduate program no longer have the academic support and mentoring that they need.

What are the Benefits of Dissertation and Thesis Coaching?

Dissertation coaching can provide the student with a systematic structure that will help the student make consistent progress on their dissertation. This structure includes learning how to make effective timelines and weekly actions lists that really work.

The dissertation coach can provide the student with feedback and advice on developing a topic and carrying out literature reviews and research. The student will learn to recognize and manage any negative "self-talk" that interferes with their effectiveness, and consistently take the actions necessary to meet the weekly goals.

The coaching will include looking at the student's overall quality of life and achieving a more balanced life, managing stress, anxiety, and maintaining good relationships with the student's family, peers, faculty advisors. It does not replace the student's faculty advisor, but rather act as a mentoring, guide and support system for the student during his/her dissertation process.