5 Signs You Need A Dissertation Helper

Here’s how you know it’s really time get some support.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | October 2023

Writing a dissertation is no small task. It’s a demanding project that requires you to juggle research, writing, analysis, and, of course, meeting deadlines. For many students, especially those balancing careers and family, this can feel overwhelming.

But how do you know when it’s time to ask for help?

In this post, we’ll explore five signs that you might need a dissertation helper. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s unpack it together.

1. You’re Struggling to Meet Deadlines

One of the most common signs that you need a dissertation helper is the inability to meet your deadlines. Maybe you’ve set a timetable, but despite your best efforts, you keep falling behind. Perhaps the problem is more specific—certain sections of your dissertation are taking much longer than you anticipated.

A dissertation coach or consultant can offer more than just writing advice—they can help you manage your time effectively. By breaking down the project into smaller, manageable tasks and holding you accountable, they can keep you on track and ensure you meet your milestones. This guidance is particularly valuable for adult learners, who often juggle work, family, and other commitments alongside their studies.

Example: Sarah, an MBA student working full-time, found herself constantly pushing back her deadlines. She sought help from a dissertation coach, who helped her build a realistic timeline that accounted for her busy schedule. With weekly check-ins, Sarah was able to stay on track and submit her dissertation on time.

2. You Need To Narrow Down Your Topic

Choosing the right topic is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make in your dissertation journey. But for many students, it’s also one of the hardest. You might have too many ideas and struggle to choose one, or you might feel paralysed by the pressure of picking the “perfect” topic.

This is where a dissertation helper or coach can be invaluable. They can guide you through the process of narrowing down your ideas, helping you identify a research gap or a question that fits both your interests and the academic requirements of your field. They can also ensure that your chosen topic is manageable, something you can realistically research and write about within your timeframe.

Example: Tom, a part-time PhD student in education, spent months bouncing between different topic ideas, unsure which one would work. After connecting with a dissertation coach, he was able to settle on a research question that was both feasible and exciting. With his coach’s help, Tom crafted a proposal that set him up for success.

3. You’re Stuck in Writer’s Block

Writer’s block is a common problem for many dissertation students. You might stare at a blank screen for hours, unsure of how to start, or you might find yourself rewriting the same paragraph over and over, never feeling satisfied with your work. In some cases, perfectionism can stop you from making any real progress.

A dissertation coach can break this cycle. They can help you develop a writing strategy that works for you, whether that’s setting achievable daily writing goals or using note-taking as a way to generate content. More importantly, they can provide the constructive feedback you need to stop over-editing and move forward with your draft.

Example: Emma, a psychology student, spent weeks rewriting her literature review, never feeling like it was good enough. Her dissertation helper encouraged her to move on to the next section, assuring her that revisions could come later. With that support, Emma made steady progress and finished her draft.

4. You’re Confused by Research Methodology

Even if you’re confident in your writing, research methods and data analysis can be major stumbling blocks. You might be unsure how to design a valid research study or feel overwhelmed by the statistical analysis required for your data. If this sounds familiar, a dissertation helper can be your lifeline.

A good dissertation coach will have expertise in research methods and data analysis, guiding you through each step of the process. They can help you choose the right methodology, ensure your data collection is sound, and even walk you through complex statistical software like SPSS or NVivo. If you’re pursuing qualitative research, they can help you structure and interpret your findings effectively.

Example: James, an MBA student, found himself overwhelmed when it came to analysing survey data. His dissertation helper, who specialised in quantitative methods, walked him through the steps in SPSS, showing him how to run and interpret the necessary tests. This guidance gave James the confidence to complete his analysis.

5. You Can’t Structure Your Arguments

One of the biggest challenges in dissertation writing is crafting a clear, coherent argument that runs through the entire project. You might have all the research and data you need but struggle to pull it together into a well-structured piece of academic writing.

An experienced dissertation specialist can help you step back and see the big picture. They can review your work, point out areas where your argument needs strengthening, and suggest ways to improve the overall structure of your dissertation. This support is crucial as you move from writing individual chapters to pulling everything together in the final draft.

Example: Amy, a part-time law student, had completed most of her research but struggled to organise her findings into a cohesive argument. With the help of a dissertation coach, she restructured her work, ensuring that each chapter built logically on the previous one. This made her argument clearer and more compelling.

Wrapping up

If these challenges resonate with you, you’re not alone. Writing a dissertation is a long, complex journey, and there’s no shame in seeking help along the way. If you’re interested, check out our award-winning Private Coaching service and book a free consultation with a dissertation helper today.