So you’ve decided to undertake an undergraduate thesis. Good for you! Here’s some friendly advice – you’ve got this.
Find your passion, and stick to it.
We’re all here in the O’Neill School because we care about something and want to make the world a better place to live in. Doing research will be much easier and more enjoyable if you’re doing it on a subject that you feel passionately about, or that you think is important to understand better / speak about to others. When you do find that passion, don’t sway from it. It is common for your research focus or direction to shift and change as you design your thesis, but don’t stray away from what you really want to learn about! It will make you feel prouder and more accomplished when it is all said and done.
It is never too early to start collecting your data (whatever that means, anyways)
Writing your thesis will take time, and it may be hard to find time to do the research while you’re cranking out your introduction and literature review. Give yourself plenty of time to collect and analyze your data. My advice would be to start preliminary data collection your first semester of your honors thesis so that your second semester can be mainly focused on writing, editing, and analyzing.
Your advisor will be your best friend, so choose wisely!
If you’re like me, research isn’t necessarily “your thing.” That’s okay! You will simply need some extra guidance throughout the process. One of the best things you can do for yourself is taking the time to find an advisor who is attentive, knowledgeable in your topic, and who you feel like you can create a strong bond with. Start looking for an advisor early on; many professors have a lot on their plates, and their schedules fill up fast! Think about your favorite college professors, or faculty whose work inspires you. Be clear with potential advisors about the scope of your research, your level of understanding of research methods, what you are interested in, and what the honors program entails on their end. Communication from the get go is key in ensuring that you and your advisor can work together throughout the semester on whatever thesis topic you’re exploring.
You’re not in this alone, so don’t act like it!
Whenever I started feeling overwhelmed about my thesis, felt unsure about my progress, or needed to vent about how little I understand about data coding, I found comfort in my peers who sat there right along with me all year long. If you feel nervous about your research (which by the way is totally normal), it is likely that the person sitting next to you is feeling the exact same way. Don’t be afraid to talk to them! It will not only make you feel better, but it will help you make some friends, too. J
Be proud of yourself.
Writing an undergraduate thesis is something most students our age don’t get to do. You’ve earned your spot in this program and you’re here for a reason even if you don’t think so. Embrace it, and give yourself a pat on the back, and celebrate small victories every now and then! See this as a learning experience, and as an opportunity to expand your horizons and challenge yourself both academically and professionally.
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