Ways of finding the right Thesis Advisor… for you

In the preceding post, the importance of a great thesis advisor was covered. To give you a better grasp of this thesis ingredient, here are ways of finding the right thesis advisor — for you.

(1) Interview former thesis students
What better way to pinpoint the best mentor for you than to talk to people who already finished with their respective thesis papers? These people will be able to provide insightful feedbacks on how it was working with their advisors. Was the advisor open to an approach veering away from the traditional? Was the advisor amiable to changes in the work schedule? How is it working with the advisor in the heat of a thesis dilemma? Feed on these feedbacks.

(2) Read up on papers authored by the faculty members
Reading up on the faculty’s literary works can present the research and writing styles that interest you. It may because the styles are similar to yours or that said techniques are the ones you would like to emulate.

(3) Enroll in a short course with the potential advisor
Taking a class under the potential mentor shows you the professor’s social personality, his working style, and his level of knowledge on the area of study. With those factors to observe, it gives you a better idea if you two will be compatible working together. This method actually works best if you have the foresight to research on advisors (way) ahead of the actual thesis project. If not, simply recollect on your past professors and shortlist from there.

(4) Directly interview the potential advisor
Before you get very convinced on a particular advisor, it is recommended to schedule an interview first. The advisor might not have enough time to fit you in his or her calendar, or the advisor can only collaborate with you once or twice a term. It’s best to iron out all such details first before you get too hopeful in acquiring the professor’s thesis guidance.

Learn from these simple guidelines to find the thesis advisor that will enhance and bulletproof your thesis paper.