As you’re reading this, you’re likely imagining the metaphorical mountain of work that stands before you: a daunting, unclear journey ahead. Yet, the journey to the other side of this mountain will soon be one in which you will gain valuable experience in research, writing, organization, time management, and so much more, all of which will be invaluable as you apply for internships, full-time careers, graduate school, or in my case, law school. Each rocky impasse you encounter will teach you lessons you can draw upon for the rest of your career, no matter which field you enter.
Now, to manage the intimidating task ahead of you, I give you three pieces of advice that I wish I had known before embarking on this journey. As someone who has completed the hike to the other side of the mountain, I hope that you, as the reader, take my advice earnestly, but only take what may be beneficial for you.
1. Enjoy the Climb
This project will likely be the longest you have undertaken during your time as an undergraduate student. In navigating this immensity of this work, I highly advise you to take your time to enjoy the process; there is simply no need to rush to the summit. To do this, plan ahead. It is equally crucial to understand the challenges you may face outside of your thesis as it is the challenges you may face in completing your thesis. Make sure to consider planning ahead for time-consuming commitments such as other difficult classes or applying to full-time positions, graduate school, or law school. Instead of doing a back-to-back sequence of V491 and V499, I took a semester in between so that I could spend ample time applying to law school, and I would overwhelmingly recommend you do the same, if applicable. Not only did this enable me to focus on law school admissions, but it also enabled me to spread my data collection and analysis over a longer period of time.
2. Set Up Base Camps
The task ahead is most definitely daunting, but subdividing the larger objective into smaller goals can help make the project feel more manageable. These goals do not have to be large by any means. For example, it could simply be getting a preliminary research question. A goal of any size is still a milestone that can be celebrated. Celebrating these milestones, no matter how big or small, will help keep you motivated as you complete these projects. Without base camps, the thesis journey can feel like one endless uphill battle; you risk burning out or losing direction. But with clear milestones, each step gives you a sense of progress and keeps you motivated.
3. Use your Guides
Even the most experienced hikers utilize guides when the trail is challenging. Using your advisors, mentors, writing groups, or other professors is no different. The great thing about Indiana University, and O’Neill in particular, is the willingness of professors to help. I recommend utilizing not only your paired advisor but also reaching out to previous professors, graduate students, or others who may be of assistance as you complete your thesis. After all, the worst they can say is no, or not respond to your email. In my thesis, I had to navigate numerous econometric challenges. To overcome these hurdles, I reached out to my previous econometric professors, and they were able to help me tremendously. Never be afraid to reach out for help and utilize your guides!
The Summit Is Real: You Will Get There
Reaching the summit of your thesis journey may feel impossibly far at times, especially during the steepest, rockiest, and most uncertain segments. But remember: the summit is real, and many have stood where you now stand and have since made it to the top. Your progress, no matter how slow or uneven, is movement upward. With every page you write, every revision you complete, and every doubt you overcome, you are climbing toward the summit. Keep your eyes on the peak, trust in yourself, and know this: finishing a thesis is not just possible—it’s within your reach.
Dylan Schutte is a graduating senior studying Policy Analysis, Economics and Quantitative Methods, and Political Science. During his time at Indiana University, Dylan was a Cox Civic Scholar, an intern with the City of Bloomington Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development and the Indiana Department of Revenue, a member of the Indiana University Student Government, and an Indiana University Student Ambassador. After graduation, Dylan will attend the University of Virginia School of Law to pursue his Juris Doctor.
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