Finding the right supervisor
Research before you commit
Talk to senior students about supervision style, availability and expectations. Look at the group's past theses: many completed theses, or many dropouts? Reviews on platforms like this one give first signals – but never replace a personal conversation.
The first conversation
Clarify in the first meeting: how concrete is the topic? How often will you meet? How much preparatory work is expected? Who reads drafts? A good sign is a supervisor who asks concrete questions and states their own expectations openly.
Take warning signs seriously
Repeated last-minute cancellations, no clear agreements, contradictions between promises and written rules, or reports of theses that were never finished: these are classic warning signs. A second meeting or a check with other students is worth it.
Put it in writing
Write down the topic, timeline, number of planned meetings and feedback deadlines – many departments offer a supervision agreement for this. It prevents misunderstandings and gives you a basis if problems arise.