The Dissertation is NOT the end of your intellectual journey, it's the beginning!

 The majority of researchers write their dissertation for a year or two and they only aim to submit it. They work hard and hard, look for information, analyze data, edit chapters many times, present to academic panels and eventually present the document that will mean the degree is completed. But once that moment, comes something bad. After years of original thought and useful ideas, the dissertation slips into the attic of academe, seldom making its way to those who might find it useful.

This is one of the largest opportunities in the modern academia that is yet to be tapped.

A dissertation is not a prerequisite of the university. It is a sign of intellectual depth, in-depth knowledge, thinking ability and problem solving. Such attributes are not limited to the school environment, but have significance beyond that of learning environments in today's knowledge economy. Industries seek experts. Organizations look for educated voices. Solutions that are based on research are relied on by businesses. Policy makers and governments require trustworthy information. However, many researchers may not realize the fact that their own knowledge acquired gives them a sense of being an authority in their domain.

It's not like research is not important. That is because while they are learning to do research, they learn very little about positioning it.

Academic systems have a focus on submission and assessment. Students learn to meet academic standards and to cite correctly, defend arguments and to meet institutional expectations. But often they are not educated to enter the public realm with their work. A very small percentage of researchers can acquire the skill of influencing, being visible and recognized for their research through the lens of the profession.

Today, with digital technology, all things are possible.

Nowadays, a scientist in one country can make an impact in the rest of the world in a matter of minutes. Researchers are now able to establish their own authority and share their ideas without being dependent on the mainstream academic gatekeepers, by utilizing a platform like LinkedIn, Medium, ResearchGate, and YouTube.

A dissertation may take on a variety of different shapes:

Professional articles

Books and eBooks

Industry white papers

Conference presentations

Podcasts and webinars

Online courses

Consulting frameworks

Thought leadership content

From here, research can start to have impact in the real world.

Researchers need to change their thinking one of the greatest. They need to put aside the notion that:

It is just a thesis of mine.

And begin thinking:

“This is intellectual capital.” is the title of the book.

One change in perspective and all things change.

As researchers realize the worth of their research, they start to see opportunities outside of the academic arena. They begin to develop the seeds of a corporate brand, area of knowledge branding, and worldwide recognition in their dissertation. They don't store it in an archive but start to create visibility.

But there is another problem: Communication.

Academic writing is a formal, technical and purposeful kind of writing because it is intended for scholarly assessment. Different audiences respond differently, however, when it comes to public audiences. They crave clear and concise information, practicality, stories, and relevance. A researcher who can make his ideas simple and yet profound, reaches a conundrum of ten times the number of people.

This is not “dumbing down” of research.

It refers to the conversion of knowledge to insight.

In today's world, people who are able to articulate complex ideas in a simple way are valued. Those who learn that skill put themselves in the lead of thousands of others who have equal skills, but not a chance to get published because their work is never seen by many more.

Regularly publishing is another important authority building tool, too. Over time, dozens of pieces of content can be created from one dissertation. Researchers can split chapters into: blogs, articles, presentation, social media insights, and professional discussion. All ideas published get noticed. All insights that are made public helps to build the credibility.

Relationships of authority are not established instep. Gradually compounds over time because of consistency.

That's why it is important to scientists who actively share information to become identified experts in their fields. It is not until after you see something that there are opportunities. Once it is known what knowledge and skills they have, opportunities for speaking engagements, collaborations, consulting projects, interviews, teaching opportunities, and professional partnerships can come along.

Researchers who are knowledgeable in knowledge creation and knowledge communication will rule the future of academic influence.

Successful students in the future will be able to do more than research and publish papers tomorrow. They will also:

Build audiences

Educate communities

Influence industries

Create intellectual brands

Lead conversations globally

They will not have dissertations that are “hidden” documents. They will turn into instruments that wield impact.

The power of research really takes off when it goes beyond the confines of the academic world and into the real world. A dissertation must not be a sign of a cessation of mental development. Rather, it should be the starting point for a more extensive and ongoing journey – a journey in which knowledge provides visibility, authority, opportunity and far-reaching influence.

Your dissertation has more worth than simply the degree that you earned.

The true power comes after it has been submitted.

Read More