If you are planning to write a master's thesis, choosing a thesis adviser may be the most important decision you make. Your thesis adviser fulfills the important function of providing academic feedback on your research and writing. However, a thesis adviser does much more. He or she can also be a strong source of personal support as you work on your thesis. Above all, it is important that your thesis adviser be someone whom you like and who likes you. You will be spending a lot of time with your adviser, and your future career, as well as your thesis grade, may be largely dependent on the relationship you forge with him or her.
First, make sure your choice of adviser is appropriate for your thesis topic. If you are writing your
master's thesis on the novels of Charles Dickens, a specialist in the Victorian novel will provide better guidance than will a medieval studies scholar. Remember also that working with a professor who is prominent in your field can be a source of bragging rightsand professional credibilitylater on in your career. For instance, employers and publishers will be impressed when they discover that you wrote your thesis under the supervision of a Nobel Prize winner. Moreover, a thesis adviser who is prominent in your field will be able to pull strings and make a few calls when you need a recommendation or a job interview.
However, it won't matter how famous your adviser is if he or she is not firmly in your corner. It is important to choose a thesis adviser who has a high opinion or you and your work. A supportive adviser will be willing to go the extra mile to ensure that you write a great
master thesis and enjoy a great career after graduation.
