How can you choose the right supervisor for your thesis or dissertation?

1 Identify your research topic and goals

Before you start looking for potential supervisors, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to research and why. This will help you narrow down your options and focus on the supervisors who have the relevant expertise, experience, and resources to support your project. You should also think about your goals for your thesis or dissertation, such as what skills you want to develop, what publications you want to produce, and what career paths you want to pursue. These goals will help you align your expectations with your supervisor and communicate them effectively.

2 Research the supervisor's profile and publications

Once you have a list of potential supervisors, you should do some background research on their profile and publications. You can find information on their academic website, online databases, social media, and personal contacts. You should look for indicators of their research interests, methods, outputs, funding, collaborations, and supervision style. You should also read some of their recent publications to get a sense of their research quality, contribution, and impact. This will help you evaluate their suitability for your project and prepare for contacting them.

3 Contact the supervisor and arrange a meeting

After you have done your research, you should contact the supervisor and express your interest in working with them. You should write a concise and polite email that introduces yourself, explains your research topic and goals, and asks if they are available and willing to supervise you. You should also attach your CV, a brief research proposal, and a sample of your academic writing. If the supervisor responds positively, you should arrange a meeting with them to discuss your project in more detail. This meeting is an opportunity for you to ask questions, clarify expectations, and establish rapport with the supervisor.

4 Compare and contrast different supervisors

Depending on your situation, you may have to contact and meet with more than one potential supervisor. This can be beneficial, as it allows you to compare and contrast different supervisors and find the best fit for you. You should consider various factors, such as the supervisor's expertise, availability, feedback, communication, personality, and reputation. You should also think about how comfortable and confident you feel with each supervisor and how well you can work together. You should weigh the pros and cons of each option and make an informed decision based on your preferences and needs.

5 Confirm the supervision agreement and maintain communication

After you have chosen your supervisor, you should confirm the supervision agreement and formalize the relationship. You should discuss and agree on the roles and responsibilities of each party, the frequency and mode of communication, the timeline and milestones of the project, the feedback and assessment criteria, and the conflict resolution procedures. You should also document the agreement and review it regularly to ensure that it is still relevant and effective. Moreover, you should maintain regular and respectful communication with your supervisor and update them on your progress, challenges, and achievements.

6 Seek additional support and guidance

Finally, you should remember that your supervisor is not the only source of support and guidance for your thesis or dissertation. You should also seek additional support and guidance from other sources, such as your co-supervisor, committee members, peers, mentors, tutors, librarians, and counselors. These sources can provide you with different perspectives, insights, advice, and resources that can enhance your research experience and outcomes. You should also be proactive and flexible in seeking and accepting support and guidance, as your needs and circumstances may change throughout the project.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?