Reflections on the IMAESC Dissertation Journey (Part 1)
By this time, I have rested well from the challenging and gruelling 5-6 months journey towards completing my IMAESC dissertation. At the same time, I am now preparing for the next steps of my professional and academic life.
What are some the lessons I gained from this dissertation writing experience? Here are some of them:
1. Communicate! Communicate! - You work with a team: yourself as the researcher, your supervisors and your IMAESC Programme Team. Although they will not be there all the time to focus on your work since they have other professional, teaching and research commitments, they need to be aware of the work that you are doing. In doing so, they can possibly help you along the way. Communication is key to successful relationships not only at work and family, but also in your disseration project. Keep them updated at least bi-monthly and share them what have you accomplished or things that you found challenging to do. You will gain wisdom and guidance from your supervisors for sure!
2. The IMAESC dissertation is a project - Indeed, it is. It prepares you to have some 'system' in place, a timeline you need to be aware of, tasks that needs to be completed and resources to utilise. Understanding how you want your project will take place involves reflection, a dialogue within yourself and conversations with the people around you. At the end of the day, their insights will help inform your work. But you will ultimately decide how you would like the project to happen. Take note of some possible disruptions and other potential activities and allocate some time for them to your research project plan.
3. Get that first draft done! - It took me some time to get my first draft done. I had some personal endeavors which coincided with my IMAESC dissertation writing. And in a way deflected my focus on writing. When it was time to get back to writing, I saw myself struggling to write all the chapters I needed. I felt downtrodden and stressed.
But like any physical activity, I regained my routine and discipline. I woke up with a fresher perspective of what I wanted to do and accomplish for the day. I took note what I did not complete during the day and came back again with a new perspective of the project in my notebook. I started working on every single chapter with a renewed sense of confidence and faith. I still took time to relax and take reflective walks at the park every day.
And when I reached my first draft - VOILA! I felt a sense of accomplishment. I literally cried about conquering this personal fear (I will write a separate post on this where I documented exactly what I thought the moment I saved the file as my first draft.). And this was the point where things became better and more satisfying for my writing.
So yes, never underestimate the value of the first draft. It is in that point where your journey will make sense and meaning. Focus on the draft first, then the editing.
Read my blog post here on my reflections when I entered this journey through the Research Methods course I attend with Dr. Andreas Kollias two semesters ago.
Comments