Dissertation Coach Questions

Who can benefit from working with a dissertation coach?

If you’re a doctoral or master’s student who struggles to make progress, feels overwhelmed by the dissertation process or needs support strategizing and staying accountable, working with an experienced dissertation coach can help you. My clients have been very successful in getting back on track and finishing their degrees. Dissertation coaching helps students complete their Ph.D.’s more efficiently and with much less stress than forging ahead alone – resulting in substantial savings in time, effort and funds! But don’t take my word for it. Read my reviews. 

What exactly is a dissertation coach? 

A dissertation coach is a mentor or partner in the dissertation process and can provide valuable support, encouragement and seasoned direction that help students move through obstacles and make progress. Depending on the needs of the student, dissertation coaching can address topics such as:

• Dissertation development, structure and organization
• Stress management
• Strategic planning
• Accountability
• Supervisor and committee communication
• Defense preparation 

Note that a dissertation coach does not replace the client’s key supervisor but provides supplemental support. At Dissertation Complete Coaching, it is always recommended that the student actively works to build and maintain regular contact with the supervisor provided by the university. 

How does a dissertation coach differ from a dissertation editor?

At Dissertation Complete Coaching, we can provide ongoing feedback on your working draft with a focus on clarity, coherence and flow. We don’t do line-by-line editing for grammar, word choice, citation accuracy but can suggest qualified individuals who do.  Find out more about the different types of packages I offer.  

How long does the dissertation process take?

The length of the dissertation coaching process varies from student to student. I have some clients who join early in the process when they are developing their initial proposals as well as those who receive support through the entire dissertation project.   Other students opt for Ph.D. coaching as specific challenges arise, such as how to:

• Develop the literature review
• Determine the research design and methodology
• Interpret and discuss the results
• Prepare for the final defense
• Navigate committee requirements  

Do you only coach doctoral students or do you also help other individuals with academic projects? 

I mainly work with doctoral and master’s candidates who are ready to make progress with their dissertations and graduate.  However, I also offer support to individuals who are working on other types of academic projects such as curriculum development, job searches and articles.   

What is your dissertation coaching style?

Over decades of work in academia, I’ve developed and honed an adaptable approach that is structured yet flexible, personal yet systematic. I understand the process of completing a master’s or doctoral project firsthand and have worked with students for years, so I understand what approaches work and which ones don’t. My focus is always on helping a student achieve an excellent dissertation while being efficient and meeting timelines. I don’t have a one-size-fits-all coaching program and for good reason: each and every client is different with unique needs and experiences. I meet you where you are!  To get a better sense of my coaching approach, check out my blog. 

Is it unethical to work with a dissertation coach? 

No, dissertation coaching is not unethical since I do not produce content for students. I collaborate with students to help generate options and solutions at each phase of the dissertation project. The student is ultimately responsible for the decisions made and the resulting dissertation document.    

I haven’t started my dissertation yet. How can a dissertation coach help me? 

Seeking dissertation help early is not only possible but encouraged. It is during this foundational phase that we can plan the topic, research questions and design, as well as start the literature review.

I’ve completed my written dissertation already. How can a dissertation coach help me get to the finish line? 

I can provide support as you produce your final draft and prepare for the grand finale: the dissertation defense.  I often work with students at the defense phase to help them develop, organize and practice their defense presentation. (We also do full mock defenses with questions!)

Do you specialize in one academic field? 

I’ve worked with students in a wide range of academic disciplines and topic areas, including:

• Psychology
• Education
• Literature
• Museum studies
• Engineering
• Horticulture
• Computer science
• Political science
• Sociology
• Business
• Architecture
• Music
• Environmental Science
• Art
• Nursing 

and many others. Contact me for more information regarding your particular field of study.  

What are your policies?

Refund Policy

Participants in one-one-one, coaching programs may cancel out of the program within 7 days of the first coaching session. If a refund is requested within this 7 day period, the amount will be determined on a prorated basis for coaching time remaining, and $150 will be deducted as an administrative fee.

Scheduling/Cancellation

Every session is scheduled in advance. No shows, rescheduling requests or cancellations received without adequate notice (at least 48 hours) will be charged for the full session.

Legal Disclaimer

Coaches employed by Dissertation Complete Coaching are professionally trained to provide guidance and support to graduate students working on their dissertation projects. Coaching is not a substitute for licensed counseling or medical advice.

Okay, I’m READY! I want you as my dissertation coach. What’s next? 

Contact me to set up a free dissertation strategy session. We’ll discuss your project and coaching by phone or Zoom to see if we’re a fit.