More than the Degree: Transforming Research into Reputation and Opportunity.

Many students view the final submission of a dissertation as the completion of a tiring phase of their lives. Many of us will look back fondly at the days of research, writing, data collection, editing and presentations, seeing submission as the end of an era. Yet today, as we navigate the globalised and interconnected world, dissertations can often mark the beginning of something so much greater.

In the modern world, research has the power to create visibility, drive industries, build reputation and generate professional opportunities throughout the world.

Traditionally, our approach was one of qualification. A research thesis or a doctorate provided a qualification that would give an academic or a professional the standing they required. In contrast, our world today is one where qualification alone is no longer the primary currency. Increasingly industries, organizations and professions are looking for those who can offer their expertise, their ability to solve problems and a logical approach based on evidence.

These are all demonstrated through the completion of a dissertation.

Research demonstrates a commitment to the subject area, depth of knowledge and a specialist's understanding of a specific topic. It shows the ability to identify complex issues, to analyze information from multiple perspectives and to develop innovative contributions. There is no doubting the value of research in business, medicine, education, technology, leadership, consultancy, sustainability and public policy.

Yet too often, dissertations are largely invisible, because we simply have no concept of how to leverage our work outside the university structure. Our academic system tends to promote completion rather than visibility, where students are taught to 'finish' a piece of work but not necessarily how to publicise, market or even communicate it to the wider world. This represents a huge missed opportunity.

The nature of the research community is rapidly changing. The advent of digital technologies and mass communications now allows researchers to instantly transmit knowledge across the world. Researchers have the power to independently establish credibility and influence through blogs, Linked In articles, webinars, podcasts, online publications, conferences, seminars, talks etc.

Dissertations can be easily transformed into many different formats, for instance, a chapter of your thesis could become an academic article, and findings from your work could easily form the basis for presentations, tools, techniques or consultancy frameworks. This is often how leading professionals have built their reputations and successful businesses.

One of the benefits of disseminating research findings is the enhanced credibility. People trust specialists who can evidence their findings with serious and objective analysis. This reputation is the outcome of work that is neither trivial nor opinionated.

A critical element here however is accessibility, the academic format of much research is often dense and only accessible to peers in that particular field. The more accessible a piece of work is, the wider the potential audience for its application and this in turn has the potential to build influence far outside a specialist academic community without diminishing intellectual rigor.

The final element to the rise in personal branding, as it relates to academic research, is consistency. One single piece of work will not elevate an academic researcher into a prominent figure in their chosen field; but consistently delivering insightful and quality contributions over time certainly will. Such is the impact of research visibility; it opens doors to speaking invitations, professional opportunities, consulting gigs, media coverage and networking events.

Personal branding has become an essential element of being a researcher. The unacknowledged researcher working within the confines of the university may have incredible insight yet lack the exposure, while at the same time the individual proactively disseminating their thoughts builds authority and respect in a field.

And research, itself, offers a tangible contribution far beyond career progression and reputation. Dissertations may well shape future policy, inform corporate strategy, aid innovation, shape educational approaches and assist in the solution of everyday practical problems. Work is at its most potent when it can impact society through the practical application.

Therefore, the future researcher will be characterized not just by their qualifications and skill, but by their ability to leverage their knowledge on a global platform. The researcher of tomorrow will not simply publish and disappear into an archive; they will create opportunities.

A dissertation is a piece of intellectual capital not to be left unseen and unacknowledged following its submission; it represents years of study, expertise and unique thought. For all researchers that take their work seriously and learn how to exploit their dissertations strategically, a wealth of opportunity is there for the taking in the 21 st century.

Read More