Engineering and Dissertations
This week is National Engineers Week. What does engineering have to do with your dissertation? Read on, grasshopper…
I’m not pursuing an engineering degree. What does engineering have to do with my dissertation? — Good question.
In my coaching practice, we support students in what I call the professional social sciences. The most popular among these are education, business, psychology, and nursing. There are others as well, but they can all be characterized studying people in a data-driven way. Less than 1% of our students are engineering students.
Even so, my advice to students has more with engineering than science. Science focuses on asking questions. Engineering seeks to synthesize existing concepts. The goal of science is to develop knowledge. The goal of engineering is to produce processes and things.
What is your goal for your dissertation? Sing along now… To get my dissertation done!
Your goal is not to create new knowledge. Your goal is to produce an acceptable study for your committee. So, think about how you can engineer your dissertation. What existing elements can you utilize for your study? How can you leverage existing components to create something new?
If you need a little help engineering, or re-engineering, your dissertation, click here to schedule a quick, 15-minute chat with me to see if you’re a good fit for our Fast Track Your Dissertation Coaching Program. If you are, then I’ll invite you to join the fastest group of dissertation students out there and help you to reach graduation a good year or two faster than you would on your own.
