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If you’ve been following my blog (which, of course, you have—right?), you might have already read my previous post on what the golden thread is. But in case you need a refresher: the golden thread is that clear, consistent line of argument that connects all parts of your dissertation, from introduction to conclusion. It…

Failure. Even the word can feel heavy, can’t it? Yet, for PhD and MBA students, it’s an almost inevitable part of the journey. Deadlines missed, experiments gone awry, rejections from journals or pitches that didn’t land—failure often feels like an unwelcome companion. But what if failure isn’t the villain we make it out to…

Your dissertation supervisor is one of the most important figures in your PhD journey. They’re your guide, critic, mentor, and sometimes even a bit of a mystery. A healthy, productive relationship with your supervisor can make the difference between a smooth academic experience and one that feels like pulling teeth. But how do you…

PhD candidates are no strangers to impostor syndrome—that persistent, nagging feeling that you’re a fraud and it’s only a matter of time before everyone finds out. You might think, “How did I even get here?” or “Everyone else seems so much smarter than me!” Rest assured, you’re not alone. In fact, impostor syndrome is…

Ah, writer’s block—the age-old nemesis of anyone trying to string together coherent sentences. If you’re pursuing a dissertation, chances are you’ve encountered this unwelcome guest already. One moment, the words are flowing like a fine Merlot; the next, you’re staring at a blinking cursor as if it holds the secrets of the universe. Spoiler…

Presenting your dissertation is one of the most significant moments in your academic journey. It’s your opportunity to showcase months—or rather years—of hard work, convince your examiners of your findings, and demonstrate your expertise. But let’s be honest: a great presentation isn’t just about what you say; it’s about how you say it and…

When starting your PhD, one of the most crucial steps is identifying a research gap. But what exactly is a research gap, and why does it matter? Think of it as the missing puzzle piece in your field of study—an area that hasn’t been fully explored or resolved. Addressing a gap allows you to…

Pursuing a PhD is often likened to running a marathon. It’s not a sprint, but a long, winding journey that demands endurance, strategy, and careful pacing. At the heart of this journey lies time management, a skill that can make or break your success. Yet, many doctoral candidates underestimate its importance, leading to stress,…

Writing a dissertation is no small feat. Between researching, drafting, and revising, it’s easy to get lost in the details and forget the big picture. That’s where the concept of the “golden thread” comes in—a unifying idea or theme that ties your entire dissertation together. Think of it as the narrative glue that makes…