23 October 2014
Many of you may already be thinking about dissertation projects. A question we’re often asked is about the differences between a primarily theoretical dissertation and one carried out in conjunction with a company. In this post, one of our recent graduates shares her insights.
The experience of working with a company on my dissertation project has been one of the most difficult and significant challenges I have ever had during my life. Yet it is also an unforgettable journey that benefits me a lot, as well as a great opportunity to get involved into a real career atmosphere.
During the project, difficulties came along all the time. My project was supported by the New York base of the company, which brought about a 5 hour time gap between me and my mentor. Therefore, we could hardly get in touch instantly when important circumstances occurred. My final mentor was only confirmed at the beginning of June, and consequently, the phase of data collection only took place at the end of June, when it was a really busy period for the company (month end, quarter end and half-year end), which proved challenging.
It is obvious how important it is to meet the deadline in a dissertation project. Thus, the compression of my timeline on this project depressed me badly at that time. I was anxious every day for being behind of schedule, yet nothing could be done except waiting and sending the company polite reminding emails.
On the one hand, I was trapped by the tough situation and was frustrated. On the other hand, however, I asked for and in return gained support from the business school. Assistance came from not only the assigned academic supervisor who provided me with instructions on research methods that mitigated the impact of delay of dataset, but also from the Student Development team that helped me communicate with the company in appropriate ways. As a non-English speaker, I was quite afraid of making mistakes in emails, especially when I was requesting or pushing the project to proceed. The Student Development team kindly helped me check the language and reminded me of my tone to avoid irritating the company whilst letting them know my desperate need.
The company sent the dataset to me less than two months before the deadline and I tried my best to achieve the data transformation before August, ensuring that I got at least one month to complete the research. Fortunately, my hard work was not in vain. I eventually accomplished my dissertation project on time and obtained positive feedback from both the academic markers and the company mentor.
By undertaking this project, I’ve learnt more than just how to conduct research, (though this is also one of the most significant benefits). What influenced me more is that I’ve learnt to accommodate myself in rough circumstances and have developed capabilities in client service, in terms of communication skills. Also, having achieved such a challenge help build my confidence in overcoming obstacles in my future path. I feel lucky that I’ve got the opportunity to be exposed to such an “impossible mission”. And more than that, I appreciate all the help from the business school and my company mentor that pulled me through.
Dai Siyu, MSc Banking and Risk 2014