Carpe Diem or Carpe Thesis? How Graduate Students Deal With Their Thesis Writing

Abstract

This present study examined the different experiences and challenges graduate students encountered in writing their thesis. Two dissertation writers and 12 thesis writers participated in the study, which was conducted during the Academic Year 2018-2019.   Semistructured interviewing, that is, with the aid of a validated and pilot-tested interview protocol was employed in collecting data; interview transcripts constituted the collected qualitative data.  The qualitative data were analyzed following three major stages, viz., open-coding, axial coding, and selective coding.  The rigorous analysis resulted in four major themes, the findings of the study:  1) academic preparation, 2) community support, 3) writing hindrances, and 4) personal motivation. Good academic preparations, genuine community support, and personal motivation, be it intrinsic or extrinsic, serve as indispensable bludgeon in the thesis writers’ challenging journey towards the completion of their degree.  These factors make them seize their theses (carpe theses) and finally finish the same with great satisfaction.