Dissertation vs Journal Article, which should I choose?

Hi,

I'm in my final year and took up an independent research project which can be either a dissertation (8000-10000 words) or a Journal Article (6000-8000 words).

I've known I was going to do a dissertation the whole time as it looks better for employers, however since we've been given the option I want to know if there's any major difference when looking at employability? I'm hoping to go into banking (investment/private) after I finish.

Normally I would pick dissertation, however was told that a decent amount of students got their articles published in top-tier journals (I think 4*). I am at a non-target uni, so this could be really useful.

What should I do to maximize employability?

Thanks.

Hello,

Choosing between a dissertation and a published article is an important decision. For me, a dissertation reflects my passion, showcasing deep research and analytical skills. However, a published article, particularly in top-tier journals, offers credibility and networking opportunities. I’ll consult my advisor for personalized advice, ensuring my choice aligns with my research's impact and my career aspirations in banking.

Kind regards,
Roshan
Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Hi,

I'm in my final year and took up an independent research project which can be either a dissertation (8000-10000 words) or a Journal Article (6000-8000 words).

I've known I was going to do a dissertation the whole time as it looks better for employers, however since we've been given the option I want to know if there's any major difference when looking at employability? I'm hoping to go into banking (investment/private) after I finish.

Normally I would pick dissertation, however was told that a decent amount of students got their articles published in top-tier journals (I think 4*). I am at a non-target uni, so this could be really useful.

What should I do to maximize employability?

Thanks.

Hi,

I'm in my final year and took up an independent research project which can be either a dissertation (8000-10000 words) or a Journal Article (6000-8000 words).

I've known I was going to do a dissertation the whole time as it looks better for employers, however since we've been given the option I want to know if there's any major difference when looking at employability? I'm hoping to go into banking (investment/private) after I finish.

Normally I would pick dissertation, however was told that a decent amount of students got their articles published in top-tier journals (I think 4*). I am at a non-target uni, so this could be really useful.

What should I do to maximize employability?

Thanks.

For going into work it doesn't actually matter - employers don't care whether you do a dissertation or not in general to my knowledge. It's one way you can demonstrate some specific kinds of transferable skills in e.g. working independently to deadlines, doing formal research and literature reviews, preparing long form written prose to given style standards etc, but a lot of these can be demonstrated other ways (even just through routine essay submissions you'll have done otherwise).

It really would be a factor mainly if you were looking to continue to graduate study, in which case if you can realistically get published that would be a significant feather in your cap I would anticipate (assuming it's a good peer reviewed journal and not a vanity press journal or predatory publisher). Although equally it's not expected and most wouldn't have that, and also if you wrote a very excellent dissertation with original research that is potentially of publishable quality, that might be something your supervisor could support you with adapting to publish anyway.

I'm a bit surprised that a lot of those doing the journal article are getting published - that's normally quite unusual for undergraduates. Are you sure they are peer reviewed journals? I'm assuming you mean "academic journals" and not like, journalism papers i.e. newspapers and so on and it's not actually an academic paper. As that's quite different.

Hi @Reece03,

Good luck in your final year, I hope you enjoy it and it all goes well.

This sounds like a very tough choice, as @Coventry University Student Ambassadors mention, your advisors/supervisors at university will be the best top advice you as they are aware of the sector you want to enter. If you have a careers service at your university I would recommend you contact them too as they may be able to signpost you to places that will help you make that choice.

How long do you have before you need to come to a decision?

Alia
University of Kent Student Rep

As for post-graduation I’m not looking to go into research or anything academic. I’m looking at pursuing an MBA but I don’t know how relevant it would be for that.

And yeah from what I remember us being told it was 4 students that got published in a 4* academic journal last year. That’s what caught my attention as it’s not something I expected to come out of both my course and university.

Which is why I was torn as I’ve heard about dissertations since high school but getting published would be a pretty huge achievement and look great on a CV.