Student blogs

Hello everyone! In this blog, I want to share the final stretch of what it’s like finishing a thesis at KI. They say doing research is 90% hard work and 10% results. However, when writing about research, it’s 90% writing about results and 10% writing about how you did it (unofficial, but feels accurate).

Right now, I’m in that almost-there phase. I presented my thesis, received feedback, and revisions are underway. It’s exciting, and honestly, a little surreal. So, how did it all go?

The final stages of writing the thesis

The final steps, if you’ve planned ahead, can go smoothly, but they’ll still be intense. This is the writing, revising, and polishing phase, where every detail counts. From the very first page to the last, the flow needs to be clear and coherent.

Since this part is heavily focused on results, discussion, and conclusion, it requires a great deal of critical thinking. This is where your creativity really kicks in; you’ll need to triangulate previous studies, compare and contrast findings, and most importantly, interpret your results and explore their future implications.

That’s why sparing enough time for this final stage is absolutely crucial. By now, nothing should be crowding your mind, your focus should be all in. Thankfully, we have the support of the “Academic Writing Support” on campus.

I was lucky enough to start preparing early and at least get mentally ready by reading up on the subject. But trust me, there are always bumps along the way, Excel VBA might break, references might disappear, or data might be more scarce than expected.

Showcasing your findings

Once you’ve wrapped up the final writing phase, the next big step is presenting your 3–5 months of work, condensed into a 10-minute talk (or less!). Whether it’s for your research team, an industry partner (if you’re doing a company-based project), or your final thesis defence at KI, this is where it all comes to life.

At first, this can feel overwhelming. Imagine trying to fit a 30+ page thesis into a short presentation. It’s like unboxing one of those tightly packed IKEA pillows: looks small at first, but once you open it up, it expands massively. You need that smart folding technique!

The key here is knowing how to highlight the most important takeaways from your work, connect with your audience clearly and confidently, and respond to questions and comments with an open mind.

Presenting is more than just speaking; it’s a skill that enables you to frame your findings in a way that resonates. And just as importantly, accepting feedback and constructive criticism with grace is part of the learning process.

Working through feedback and wrapping it up

After all the hard work and the big presentation, the final step is implementing the reviewer feedback. I was fortunate to receive thoughtful and valuable comments from my reviewer, someone who took the time to read every word and help me improve the quality of my thesis. For that, I’m truly grateful.

If you’re considering publishing your thesis, then this stage is especially crucial. The feedback you get now is like a warm-up before the real journal peer review begins. So yes, it’s important to take it seriously.

That said, returning to your thesis after everything feels a bit like playing extra time in a cup final; you’re tired, but you know you’ve got to give it your all just one more time. And with graduation only days away, the finish line is close, and that gives just the right push to wrap it up strong.

Final thoughts

Finishing a thesis is more than just checking a box; it’s a journey of growth, resilience, and (a lot of) self-discipline. Whether you’re in the early stages or getting close to the finish line, remember: every late night, every tiny breakthrough, and every round of feedback is shaping you into the professional you’re becoming. And want to know more about the final semester? Read Risa’s “Week in the life of a Masters student in the final semester“

I hope this gives you a glimpse of what the final stretch looks like. Good luck, and see you on the other side.