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Why Thesis Requirement For 1st Class Honours? Thesis vs CP (Consulting Practicum)

From: Michelim

I am currently a 3rd year BBA student on the NOC (NUS Overseas College) program and studying part-time in Wharton/Upenn. My grades currently qualify me for 1st class honours if I were to obtain an A- (the requirement) in my honours thesis. However, I am contemplating not doing my honours because I don't see much merit in a thesis. The seniors I have spoken to who are currently doing their honours thesis have all encouraged me to not do the thesis because "it's a pain the in neck" if I am able to find a job and graduate in three years.

Having done a summer internship last year and subsequently working full-time on the NOC program now, I honestly don't see much practical use of writing a thesis. This is especially with reference to students not interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or a career as an academic.

I see much more value and merit in doing a consulting practicum where students are able to gain practical work experience which are more valued by employers. This is from my current experience from interviewing with banks. They have told me that my work experience (both summer internship and overseas experience) were looked upon favorably when considering my application.

There are 3 more months to go before I have to decide if I will do my honours.

In case you are wondering, I'm in a dilemma because on one hand, most of the top banks in Singapore only hire good honours graduates for their graduate programs. So graduating with a basic degree puts me at a great disadvantage. On the other hand, I am extremely reluctant to 'waste' 1 year doing something which I don't like and which I don't see relevant to my future job.

I am very heartened by the many positive changes made so far for NUS Biz School. I sincerely hope the thesis requirement for 1st class honours graduates can be looked into.

Published Wednesday, March 29, 2006 4:41 PM by Helen
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Comments

# re: Why Thesis Requirement For 1st Class Honours? Thesis vs CP (Consulting Practicum)

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 11:56 PM by suhao
...while i think one or two weeks ago, i was still firm believer in doing a honors' degree, but i am now a changed person... i am open to more choices and not willing to bind myself to a fourth year in school... Michelim, in my humble opinion, you should do what you believe in; just go ahead and do what you think is right if opportunities are there for you to grab... although i'm only a year one student and i'm of no authority to recommend you what to do and i'm definitely not advising you, that is what i'll be doing when the time comes to me... good luck!

# re: Why Thesis Requirement For 1st Class Honours? Thesis vs CP (Consulting Practicum)

Thursday, March 30, 2006 3:06 PM by Bjorn
The way i decide whether to do an extra year is using the opportunity cost concept.
Compare the 4th year of studying against an extra year in real business experience and ask yourself which one has higher learning value, that will translate to economic value once you start work.
** Bill Gates and Steve Jobs obviously thought their opportunity costs of studying was far too high and that they learnt more creating Microsoft and Apple.
For little me, my 4th year is free and paid by NUS and i am working towards my passion even during school.

So, Michelim, whats your opportunity cost?

# re: Why Thesis Requirement For 1st Class Honours? Thesis vs CP (Consulting Practicum)

Thursday, March 30, 2006 4:28 PM by suhao
yeah i agree with you... while having lecture today, i thought about it... guess it is a tradeoff, just like what bjorn said... perhaps a cost-and-benefit analysis plus an opportunity cost analysis would be ideal...

# Thesis vs CP - the saga cont'd part 2

Friday, March 31, 2006 11:41 AM by It's our BBA blog!
For earlier post Why Thesis Requirement For 1st Class Honours? Thesis vs CP (Consulting Practicum) on...

# re: Why Thesis Requirement For 1st Class Honours? Thesis vs CP (Consulting Practicum)

Tuesday, April 04, 2006 2:59 PM by brian
After going through the whole thesis requirement and NOC see, i see where michelim is coming from.  It is a pain in the neck to have to do the thesis, but i believe for people wanting to get 1st class it must still be a requirement.  This is what separates the A's from the A+'s.  I feel that there are a lot of quality students in the biz school and it is not difficult for them to achieve a first class honours CAP, which right now is at 4.5.  Take Wharton for instance, the CAP requirement is 3.85/4.00 which translates to a 4.75/5.00 in NUS.  If I were to graduate with first class I want to know that I belong to a select special few...a cut above the rest.  If the business school were to give first class to everyone with a 4.5 average and above, the distinction will be loss.  There is a reason why doing the thesis is a "pain in the neck" its because it's what distiguishes the men from the boys :).  

but having said that.  if you do find the job you really want, consider not doing the thesis, cause essentially getting first class is something you would want to get to get that job anyway.  unless you are doing it for something else.  

# re: Why Thesis Requirement For 1st Class Honours? Thesis vs CP (Consulting Practicum)

Tuesday, April 04, 2006 3:28 PM by Helen
Dear Brian, thank you for your valuable input. It is a very sensible and mature view.

# re: Why Thesis Requirement For 1st Class Honours? Thesis vs CP (Consulting Practicum)

Friday, April 07, 2006 4:28 PM by alvin
Very insightful comments from brian but i didn't know that you need a 1st class hons to make you a man.

NS was enough, no?

# re: Why Thesis Requirement For 1st Class Honours? Thesis vs CP (Consulting Practicum)

Tuesday, April 11, 2006 6:33 AM by bryan

From: Student in BSc(Hons) Building Surveying

for my subject (Bsc (Hons) Building Surveying) we got no choice in the matter, it is cmpulsary to achieve an honours degree and im bricking it, as i did 1 at HND level and cocked it up with only just getting a Pass minus (41%).  For every other module i obtained high merits and distinctions (67-80%). I just think its a waste of time if we never have to do something like this again.  I think this should be replaced with a compulsary work placement along with some coursework to go with it, then that way employers cant say ur lacking experience when it comes to getting a job after graduation!!!

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