How to Navigate Your Dissertation: A Conversation With Steve Tippins

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Diving into a doctoral dissertation or making your way into an academic career is no small feat. It’s a journey filled with twists and turns, from figuring out the dissertation maze to landing the right academic position. Steve Tippins, who’s been through it all and helped others do the same, shares his wisdom in our Q&A. He cuts through the complexity with straightforward advice on managing your time, finding the right dissertation coach, and making smart moves in your career. For anyone at the crossroads of their doctoral journey or academic career, Steve’s practical tips are a beacon of clarity.

What are the most common challenges doctoral students face when working on their dissertations and how can they overcome them?

There are a number of challenges that doctoral students face, I will list some here

• Lack of Knowledge About the Process: Many schools seem to believe in something like just-in-time information about the process. This may help the institution but it slows down the process for the student. Knowing what is coming and planning for it can speed things up a great deal.
• The Hunt for Perfection: Too many students wait to submit the perfect document when they don’t know what perfect is. Their committee decides what is “perfect”. Strive for good enough!
• Accountability: This is a lonely and hard journey and it is easy to stray. Find partners and/or a coach to help you stay on track.

How can students maintain motivation and focus throughout the dissertation process?

“This is important. Remember why you are doing this. What is your ultimate goal. Read about those before you who are out changing the world. Put good but distracting ideas to the side until you are finished.”

Can you share effective time management strategies for balancing dissertation work with other academic and personal responsibilities?

“Boundaries are very important. You need to put aside time for yourself and your family/loved ones. You want to get to the end of your degree process with relationships intact. For writing, the Pomodoro technique can be helpful. And, know all of the steps to the process and the dates that have to be met. Schools seem to be bad at providing this information which can cause students to spend more time in school. I work with all of my clients on this.”

What role does a dissertation coach play, and how can students select the right coach for their needs?

“A dissertation coach can help you plan for the entire dissertation process. They have been there before and can help you work with your committee, prepare for oral defenses, structure your document for approval, support you during low moments, and help you think about life after your doctoral journey.  When looking for a dissertation coach look for someone who has done more than written a dissertation. I think that a dissertation coach should have Chaired at least 10 dissertations (I have Chaired over 100) so that they can see many different paths forward and one who has worked with students from different institutions. Experience is very important. You also want someone who will listen and be on your side.”

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Transitioning from Doctoral Studies to Academic Careers

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How can doctoral graduates best prepare for the transition from student to academic professional?

“First, finish your dissertation. It is much harder starting a job when you still have commitments back at your degree granting institution. Second, someone told me not to make friends with anyone for the first year. That is a little dramatic but the intent is to make sure that you understand the politics and if there are people who don’t get along. The faculty votes on you getting tenure so it is best to have everyone like you. Third, don’t take on too many service roles your first year. Learn the lay of the land before you dive deeply into service.”

What strategies would you recommend for doctoral graduates looking to publish their research and increase their visibility in their field?

“First, have publishing in mind at the start of your dissertation. Second, explore the types of publications that will help you reach your goal (if you want to get a job at an R1 school you need to publish at high level journals whereas if you want to be a consultant you need to publish where your clients will see your work).”

In what ways can new PhDs leverage their dissertation work to secure teaching or research positions?

“You need to think of your dissertation as an asset. How will that asset work for you. Can you publish in journals from your dissertation? Can you make conference presentations based upon your findings? Can you use your dissertation as part of an ongoing stream of research? On another note, do as much teaching as you can in your doctoral program. Schools like to hire people who have taught before. Be familiar with the book adoption process as well as classroom management software.”

Can you offer advice on navigating the academic job market, including application and interview tips?

“Your cover letter is very important. This is where you should indicate how you fill a school’s need. Remember, no one advertises unless they have a need. If you let them know early how you can solve their problem your application will get more attention. And, understand the annual cycle of hiring. Be ready to apply in the late Summer/early Fall. If you start thinking about jobs in February for the next Fall you will have missed about 90% of the openings.”