If you’re working on your bachelor’s or master’s thesis, your supervisor can be one of your biggest assets—not just for academic success, but for your future career.
Most students ask technical questions about their research. That’s important, but it’s not enough.
If you want to stand out, improve your thesis, and prepare for life after graduation, you need to ask smarter questions.
Here are four essential questions every student should ask their thesis supervisor—but often doesn’t.
1. What Are the Criteria for Grading My Thesis?
Surprisingly, many students never ask how their thesis will actually be evaluated.
Instead, they assume: “If my thesis is good, I’ll get a good grade.”
But “good” can mean very different things depending on your supervisor or department.
Your grade may depend on factors like:
- Research depth and quality
- Structure and clarity
- Literature review
- Your work ethic or lab conduct
- How polished your first draft is
Why this matters:
Understanding the criteria early helps you focus your effort where it counts most.
👉 Pro tip: Ask for a rubric or examples of past high-scoring theses if available.
2. How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting a Job After Graduation?
If you’re a student or job seeker, this question is essential.
Your supervisor has likely:
- Seen many students transition into the workforce
- Built industry or academic connections
- Experienced hiring processes firsthand
Even if they don’t have all the answers, they can still offer valuable insights.
Why this matters:
Your thesis is often the final step before entering the job market. The earlier you prepare, the better.
👉 Ask about:
- In-demand skills in your field
- Career paths related to your thesis
- Networking opportunities
3. Can You Review My CV (or Resume)?
Many students hesitate to ask this—but they shouldn’t.
If your supervisor works in your target field, they can give highly relevant, practical feedback on your CV.
They might help you:
- Highlight the right skills
- Present your thesis effectively
- Avoid common mistakes
Why this matters:
A strong CV can make the difference between getting interviews—or getting ignored.
👉 Pro tip: Send a concise, well-formatted draft instead of a rough version to get better feedback.
4. Can I List You as a Reference?
Before you graduate, this is one of the most important questions to ask.
As a student or recent graduate, you may not have many professional references. Your thesis supervisor can be a powerful one.
But don’t assume—always ask first.
Why this matters:
A strong reference can significantly improve your chances in job applications.
👉 Pro tip:
Ask early, and keep them updated on your job search so they’re prepared if contacted.
Final Thoughts
Your thesis supervisor isn’t just there to guide your research—they can also help shape your academic success and career path.
By asking the right questions, you:
- Improve your thesis performance
- Gain career clarity
- Strengthen your job applications
Most students overlook these opportunities. You don’t have to.