Work Smarter Archives

How To Choose A Tutor For Your Dissertation

How To Choose A Dissertation Tutor The Five Key Criteria You Need To ConsiderBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | October 2024 Choosing the right dissertation tutor can be the difference between constantly feeling overwhelmed by your...

Writing A Dissertation While Working: A How-To Guide

Writing A Dissertation Part-TimeHow to manage work, family and a research project - without losing your mindBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | October 2024Writing a dissertation is no easy task. Add a full-time job and family...

How To Review & Understand Academic Literature Quickly

How To Read Academic LiteratureFast-track your literature review process with these simple techniques.Podcast By Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) and Amy Murdock (PhD) | August 2023If you're working a literature review, this one is for you. Today, we're discussing how to work...

Dissertation Writing Services: Far Worse Than You Think

Thesis Writing Services & ToolsThe smart student's silver bullet - or too good to be true?Podcast by Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) and Amy Murdock (PhD) | August 2023If you've ever considered paying someone (or some AI-powered tool) to write your dissertation or thesis for...

The Harsh Truths Of Academic Research

The Harsh Truths Of Academic ResearchThree Things New Postgraduate Researchers Need To KnowBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025n this episode, Dr. Ethar Al-Saraf and Dr. Amy Murdock dive into the darker truths of...

Dissertation Paralysis: How To Get Unstuck

🎙️ How To Get Your Research UnstuckA Practical Guide To Dealing With Dissertation ParalysisBy: Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) and Amy Murdock (PhD) | July 2024it a sticking point in your dissertation or thesis? That's okay. In this episode of the Grad Coach...

Viva Voce Victory: How To Defend Your Thesis

🎙️ How To Ace Your Viva VoceThree Practical Tips To Help You Defend Your ThesisBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | July 2024he viva voce or thesis defence is an event that often leaves students feeling a little intimidated. And...

How To Break Through Writer’s Block

🎙️ How To Break Through Writer's BlockThree Straightforward Interventions That Actually WorkBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | June 2024riter's block is a common challenge for students. All too often, it can feel like there’s an...

How To Beat Perfectionism: 3 Practical Steps

🎙️ How To Beat PerfectionismThree Straightforward Actions You Can Take (Right Now)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | June 2024erfectionism often masquerades as a commitment to excellence - sounds good, right? The problem, however, is...

You Are NOT Your Dissertation: How To Maintain A Healthy Perspective

🎙️ You Are NOT Your DissertationWhy your dissertation is not quite as epically important as you thinkBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025f you’ve been losing sleep over your dissertation, we’re here to help bring...

The Unspoken Laws Of Academic Success: Secrets From “The Inside”

🎙️ Unspoken Laws Of Academic SuccessThree Simple But Effective Practices You Need To KnowBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025n this episode of the Grad Coach Podcast, Derek and Ethar delve into the unwritten laws of...

Dissertation & Thesis Examples: Get Inspired Now

50+ Dissertation & Thesis Examples Real-world examples and samples from leading universities 📖By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | Updated March 2025eed some inspiration for your study? You’ve come to the...

All But Dissertation (ABD) Status – What You Need To Know

All But Dissertation (ABD) Status 😬A Plain-Language Explainer + Guide For Stuck StudentsBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025hen it comes to completing a PhD or doctoral degree, “all but dissertation” (or ABD) is all...

The Four Powerful Habits Of Successful Students

🎙️ The 4 HABITS of Successful Students(And how to develop them...)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025t Grad Coach, we've worked with thousands of students. Over the years, we've noticed a few simple but powerful...

3 STRUGGLES You’ll Face During Your Research Journey

The "Big 3" Dissertation StrugglesWhat They Are + How To Deal With Them 📝By: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025riting a dissertation or thesis is no small task - just ask any ABD. The academic research journey is one...

Considering A PhD? Here Are 3 Things You Should Know

Doing A PhD: Three Harsh RealitiesWhat They Are + How To Deal With Them 📝By: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025ndertaking a PhD or any doctoral-level program is no small task. In this episode of the Grad Coach Podcast,...

Writing A Literature Review: 4 Time-Saving Hacks

🎙️PODCAST: Ace The Literature Review4 Time-Saving Tips To Fast-Track Your Literature ReviewBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) | Updated March 2025riting a literature review can be a daunting task for many students, but fear not! In...

5 Signs You Need A Dissertation Helper

5 Signs You Need A Dissertation HelperHere's how you know it's really time get some support.By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | October 2023Writing a dissertation is no small task. It’s a demanding project that requires you to juggle...