Who Am I, Where Am I Going on This Journey, and Why?

Abstract

A successful holiday may well involve aimless wandering and chance encounters without overdue concern for timeframe or final destination. Researching and writing a dissertation is not a holiday. Nonetheless, there is no reason why students should not both enjoy the experience and reach the desired goal—the two are not mutually exclusive. The path to a completed dissertation is intended to involve discoveries and surprises. It is not possible to know in advance all the obstacles and side tracks that might be encountered. However, some pre-departure planning can help anticipate potential problems, and make them easier to recognise and solve, if not avoid altogether. For potential and new students: taking time to think about who you are, what you want to achieve, and why, are important first steps towards reaching your final goal. Research suggests that it is the hardy students who succeed. This chapter proposes that asking some simple questions before setting out is a successful strategy for pre-empting self-sabotaging behaviours. By identifying personal strengths and weaknesses and establishing clear personal goals before committing to their final destination, research students can be better equipped for the doctoral journey. The chapter also provides practical questions and planning tools for students to complete their pre-departure screening.