For those lucky few who combine their degree, their dissertation module lies in the land of ‘optional’ on their module forms. Instead of the terrifying realms of 10,000+ word essays on anything of their choice, they can instead choose to opt for another module. This decision however, can be deceptively difficult.
While it does eliminate an incredible amount of stress and bald patches, it does however provide certain personality indicators to the dreaded “e” word: employers. While some won’t care about your general topic, what they are interested in is your ability to self-motivate (and we all know how difficult that is); your use of initiative; your secondary resource hunting skills that frame your whole argument and your apparent organisational skills (we won’t say anything if you won’t).
Being a student with this choice, I have been proudly declaring to anyone who will listen to how my dissertation is optional and how my choice would be another module, why would I want that stress. Unfortunately while picking options we all received an email from the Head of Department listing the benefits of a dissertation and my mind changed. When sat in front of a prospective employer would it be easier to explain why you chose to write a dissertation or why the decision was made to not write one –the easy option? My thought’s exactly.
While beginning the lengthy process of completing graduate scheme applications, some will even ask what your dissertation topic is. It’s one thing trying to explain in an interview that you didn’t do one; it’s something else when it’s with a computer. As most employers will expect you to have written a dissertation, it can’t hinder your prospects to have penned one. While the choice at the end of the day is down to each individual, what’s the harm in creating a piece of work that symbolises the pinnacle of your educational life?
Becky Healey
