Here are some red and green flags to watch out for when it comes to getting that good thesis groupmate.
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Picture this: you’re probably in your 3rd and 4th year in college and that most-awaited time is fast approaching; the dawn of thesis. Now unlike the other groupworks you’ve had, the stakes are definitely higher for this do-or-die requirement making the nightly cafe runs seem bottomless. In college, there are always piles of revisions and judgy but respectable professors. However, something that also needs to be discussed is the power of a good thesismate, as well as bad ones who can make an already tough task even harder.
Being a reliable thesismate can set the tone for the entire experience and make you grow (and maybe even find someone special along the way). So, how do we ensure that we aren’t just a ghostly figure haunting the cobweb-riddled group chat, but a real, present force in the thesis? Here are some do’s and don’ts that we guarantee can tag you as the academic weapon you truly are, or even as a guide to find the right thesis partners.
DO: COMMUNICATE OPENLY AND OFTEN
Like every good group work, a team should be able to communicate openly. Schedule meetings, make the minutes, continuously talk about the distribution of work, and finalize the deadlines everyone is comfortable with.
Communication will always be the foundation of a good thesis group and shouldn’t be slept on. Despite the designation of different tasks, every member should still be familiar with everyone’s contributions. If not, the chances that dead air will happen when the panel asks questions increases. We definitely don’t want that to happen!
DON’T: GHOST YOUR GROUPMATES
While a time away from the rigid classrooms and notifications of academic group chats seems like paradise, disappearing without a word for whatever the reason may be is unprofessional and unacceptable. If it does happen or you find yourself urging to escape, then there won’t be a smooth-flowing experience because you’re late to the edits, you didn’t give your input, and so on.
That’s why it is essential to keep an open line of communication, no matter how swamped you are with other deliverables. A single message, revision, or question goes a long way for the progress of your thesis and how your other members can continue working and adapting to the situation.
DO: PUT EFFORT IN THE THESIS STATEMENT
Oh, the thesis statement. We hear it over and over again, and the more that we stress about it, sometimes the further we are from truly grasping what it even meant in the first place. At its most basic definition, your thesis statement is the crux of your research. It’s the wheel of the car, you cannot proceed without tying the thesis statement as perfectly as you can. Professors were definitely not lying when they emphasized the thesis statement because then, you wouldn’t have wasted time writing the RRL and navigating the methods.
DON’T: DISMISS IDEAS OUTRIGHT
Be open to your team’s suggestions. While differences can erupt during brainstorming sessions, don’t let the disagreement blind your emotions from the responsibility itself. Shutting down ideas is like refusing to try sushi because you think you won’t like it—you might be missing out on something great. Explore all avenues before making judgments to make sure everyone’s suggestions are appreciated and considered.
DO: DETERMINE EVERYONE’S STRENGTHS
The first to the middle half of the thesis experience can be collaged in a series of all-nighter calls and continuous tweaking of word choices, and usually along the way, you discover the personalities of your thesis mates and sometimes, even you’d be surprised with what you can find out about yourself. It’s best and totally a hack to have a heart-to-heart where everyone shares their impressions of each other and sees what kind of work they have to offer. But of course, the goal of constructive feedback is to uplift and improve, not to just be mean for no reason.
DON’T: BE A YES MAN
Slacking off and simply leaving your team to make all the decisions is one of the ways to burn bridges within the group. While it is easier and sometimes less stressful for some to just go with the flow and let the waves take you wherever, it’d be such a faux pas to be that kind of thesis mate, because, as a member, you should be able to pull your weight and respect each others’ time and personal space.
DO: CELEBRATE MILESTONES
Completed a chapter? Got complimented during a colloquium? Matched a good office siren outfit with the team? Celebrate it! Whether it’s another cup of that delicious drink or a quick lunch with your group mates, it’s essential to celebrate the small wins towards a big success. It’s easy for each school day to be swept under the rug, and rarely do we get a star for just showing up in class. So loosen up and give yourself the space to enjoy the cake as it lets you remember that ‘hey you are THAT academic it-girl or it-boy!’
DON’T: MAKE IT ALL ABOUT YOU
It’s ok to be proud, but remember, there’s no “I” in “team” (yes, we’re pulling that card). Centering the project around yourself diminishes the other members’ contributions and can further derail not just the essence of the paper, but your relationship with your group. Keep your chin up and flash the brightest smile, we all got this!
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