How Much Supervision Is Too Much?
Your thesis is your work, and you are the author. I am here to help you with the process, but you are the one who will write it. Perhaps this is the first time you are engaged in a project where there is no clear path to follow or a correct answer. Such a high level of uncertainty can be overwhelming, but it also presents an opportunity to learn how to manage it. Being proactive in finding solutions, asking questions, and seeking help is essential.
Therefore, don’t rely too much on me or your company supervisor to tell you what to do. We can guide you, but you are the one who will make the decisions and take the actions. Otherwise, you will put us in a position where we will have to critique and evaluate our own work. We don’t need to validate every decision you make, but we can help you make the right ones.
Hence, think of us as your mentors, not as your authors. To the extent you can make decisions and take actions, do so. We can help you frame the problem, suggest relevant literature, and provide feedback, but you are expected to take the lead on your project.
Finally, remember that independence is also an evaluation criterion. When your project is finished, the committee will assess your professional attitude. Figure 1 illustrates how reliance on supervisors may appear based on the amount of feedback you request.