A thesis or Capstone is something you can’t escape from as an IT student. There are a lot of things you need to sacrifice; sleep, weekends, money, and so on. I passed my capstone project with flying colors but it wasn’t an easy feat. I was even hospitalized at one point because of the stress that it caused me. From choosing a title that you’re hoping the panelists would approve to presenting your prototype hoping you would pass the midterm defense with ease, the journey was one hell of a ride.
The experience was hard, but I consider it one of the major highlights of my life. Well in fact, If I’m going to be given a chance to go back in time when my stress was only caused by doing our research, I’ll gladly grab it.
I may sound like an idiot for saying that, but I learned a lot with the journey, not only on the academic side but also with some aspects of life. I made new friends and learned valuable life lessons.
The journey was demanding and challenging, but it was very fulfilling.
Here are some tips that can help you pass your capstone project during college with ease:
1. Pick the right people
It may sound selfish but just because you’re friends with someone doesn’t automatically mean that you should be group mates. I myself experienced it firsthand, and it was probably one of the worst mistakes that I’ve committed in my college life. There won’t be adjustments for sure, because you already know each other to the bone. But how does it become a predicament? The tendency of having your close buddies as your group mates is they tend to be complacent. If they know you as someone who is capable, then they will be relying on you to do the rest of the job to death.
2. If you can’t get rid of your so-called friends, then be an effective leader
As much as I hate to admit it, I’m also partly responsible for the nightmarish experience I mentioned in my first tip. Since they’d chosen me as a leader, everyone expected me to be having complete control over them, but it was exactly the opposite. Since they are my friends, I’m too timid enough, to be honest about how they are performing as a groupmate. I’m not sure at first why but I came to my realization that I’m just too scared to lose them as friends. Too dumb, right? But I was young back then, and I’m not really aware of the things that matter most.
But if you’re the friend that I’m trying to describe as irresponsible, “Mahiya ka naman!”
3. Choosing your title for your research(Capstone Project)
This is probably easier said than done. Completing your research is one hell of a job, but the big uncertainty is when and how can/will you start. I’ve seen many students cry even before they start their research just because their title isn’t good enough. When I say not good enough, it means:
1. The title has been done so many times. They say doing research these days is so easy because of the internet.
But it only means that you need to use the internet wisely. You’re given easy access to millions of information and there’s no way that you can’t use it to formulate something new.
2. Too EASY. Yes, some panelists reject your title just because it’s too easy.
3. Not prepared. I’ve seen so many groups who have been blessed with a good title but weren’t successful just because they’re not prepared enough. I mean, you’re very lucky enough to have a good title, just do your part and present well.
4. Time Management
You’ve probably read this many times on many blogs giving tips about your thesis but why won’t I include it if it’s proven to be really effective? Just because your thesis adviser hasn’t given you the go signal to do something, doesn’t mean that you have free time. If you’ve already done with Chapter 1, then there’s no reason for you to stop. You can start preparing drafts or begin researching for Chapter 2 so you can have a multitude of time for revisions in the future. Remember, there’s no such thing as free time when doing your research.
5. Set Goals
Just because you’ve managed your time right doesn’t automatically mean you’re setting your group for success. It is important that your goals should be in line with the time allotted.
6. It’s ok to say NO
Most of my perks told me to just enjoy college and I totally agree with it. But some of us tend to overwork enjoyment and forget our responsibilities. Completing your research with flying colors means having to sacrifice some of your precious time with your friends. They may find it absurd, but you should remember that what you’re doing right now is for your future and you’ll reap the fruits of it in time. Don’t succumb to peer pressure because it won’t help you get your diploma or land a good job in the future.
7. Savor every moment of it
It’s all about the journey, not the destination. When you’re already working in a company and all you do is stress out on your tasks that your boss is repeatedly returning to you for revision, you’ll be missing those times when you’re just busy doing your capstone project.
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