Blogs: Jonny remembers his dissertation… and goes back for more

Post 2, April 2013

Jonny Brown is a postgraduate student. He graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with a degree in politics, before moving to Newcastle University for a Masters in media and journalism

This time last year, believe it or not, it was hot. I could have been soaking up the rays and sipping on an ice-cold smoothie, instead I was effectively living in the library.

Fast forward a year. Sheffield is covered in snow yet Newcastle remains untouched. But it's not just the weather that's different this year. No, this time in 2012 it was leading up to the dreaded dissertation submission deadline day.

Let's start at the beginning. For those of you who are reaching the climax of your university life, more than likely you will be submitting your dissertation within the next month or so. It's a relief to come to the end of months of hard work and get the chance to have your life back.

My undergraduate dissertation was a nightmare. Anyone who says their dissertation wasn't, then they were obviously very well prepared. From the start of my third year, I was throwing around ideas of what to research, and what I could actually write 10,000 words on.

Once I had a topic, I hit the wall pretty early on. However, the more you work on your dissertation, the more you learn to deal with issues that arise. Essentially, as I'm sure those of you adding your final touches will now know, you realise you've made some errors along the way. Whether it's the fact you went out last Saturday night or just decided to order in a takeaway and spend your night watching films, then you will reflect on what works and what doesn't.

For me, I had no choice: I had to work. I'm the first to admit I messed up my second year and didn't get the grades I knew I could get, but that meant I knew what I had to do for my dissertation. Organisation and time management are crucial: don't let it take over your life.

Yes, I spent most of my time in the library. But my motivation to succeed and achieve the grade I needed is why I chose to spend most nights in the library – oh and it helps to have a good friend there too. Not because you want to have a chat but just someone who can help motivate you and lend a hand if needed. My motivation was that I needed a 2:1 overall to be accepted onto my postgraduate course.

Now, more than a year later, I've submitted my second dissertation proposal. I said I would never do it again but you know when you wake up the morning after after and say you're never going to drink again... yeah, it doesn't last last long does it?

So, what do you get out of it? Not the tequilas, the dissertation. You develop skills you can use in future study and employment. Job interviewers will ask you to tell them about a time you worked to a deadline and prioritised workloads. Your dissertation is a prime example, especially for an entry-level or graduate job seeker.

So, top tip? Don't panic, you're not alone. Undergraduates, you are reaching the finale of your university assignments. For you, make sure it is the best it can be because it could be the difference between being delighted or disappointed with your final grade.

Postgraduates, like me, if you have submitted a dissertation before, you can relate to the experience when you're putting together your postgrad assignments. For those who haven't, you will have the skills necessary to succeed with a dissertation hidden away somewhere - dust them off and bring them back into the game.

It ruins your social life, it makes you tear your hair out and it leads you to live on energy drinks in a bid to meet deadlines. Was it worth it? Of course! So I'm doing another, but I'm a little better prepared this time round...