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tech startup thesis?

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Aishwarya

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Hello fastlaners and MJ,

I am in a weird dilemma right now. So I am going to write my thesis now in machine learning (AI). I am trying to come up with different ideas so that I can finally write my thesis and get done with my degree (I am really bored of studying in uni and can't wait to get outta here). Therefore I came up with an idea about cooking assistant (I wasn't even serious) in the discussion with my professor and he was quite excited to write a thesis where I can make a tech start up. But as soon as I dropped that idea for research based thesis (material science failure analysis), he became quite disinterested and said he will supervise and he is not helpful at all. I really doubt he would have been of any help if I would written a start up thesis. The problem is now, to make research thesis, I need data which is very hard to get in today's world, I am in talk with other professors to see if I can find some data, but if I don't then :)(). But I do have start up idea, I would like to create an app, but now I do not feel like executing my idea as start up thesis because I do not like my professor and people around here. But at the same time, I fear that I might lose an opportunity to get some professional assistance in my execution just because of my ego. Right now I am looking for my material science project data (my material science professor also liked this idea but he is not sure about how to get the data either, although he is asking different people), but if not, should I go for my start up idea as thesis? This could be a good frame work for future start up BUT I DO NOT REALLY LIKE MY PROFESSOR:mad:
how good a thesis will serve me for my future start up adventures?

Please enlighten me with some guidance.
Thanks :)
 
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Hello fastlaners and MJ,

I am in a weird dilemma right now. So I am going to write my thesis now in machine learning (AI). I am trying to come up with different ideas so that I can finally write my thesis and get done with my degree (I am really bored of studying in uni and can't wait to get outta here). Therefore I came up with an idea about cooking assistant (I wasn't even serious) in the discussion with my professor and he was quite excited to write a thesis where I can make a tech start up. But as soon as I dropped that idea for research based thesis (material science failure analysis), he became quite disinterested and said he will supervise and he is not helpful at all. I really doubt he would have been of any help if I would written a start up thesis. The problem is now, to make research thesis, I need data which is very hard to get in today's world, I am in talk with other professors to see if I can find some data, but if I don't then :)(). But I do have start up idea, I would like to create an app, but now I do not feel like executing my idea as start up thesis because I do not like my professor and people around here. But at the same time, I fear that I might lose an opportunity to get some professional assistance in my execution just because of my ego. Right now I am looking for my material science project data (my material science professor also liked this idea but he is not sure about how to get the data either, although he is asking different people), but if not, should I go for my start up idea as thesis? This could be a good frame work for future start up BUT I DO NOT REALLY LIKE MY PROFESSOR:mad:
how good a thesis will serve me for my future start up adventures?

Please enlighten me with some guidance.
Thanks :)
Thanks for posting @Aishwarya.

Can you summarise that into one question?
 

23Infinity

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Academia and business don't mix well in my experience (unless it's something deeply specialized science-based/pharma) - it kind of seems like your advisor was dreaming of a potential opportunity to get equity as an advisor in your potential start up and didn't care more after you shifted your focus.

Also writing a thesis/doing research is not really the same actual execution of said start up - it may help remotely at best but if you really want to start a business, go and start the business, don't write a thesis about it, and don't depend on any profs as they may have self-serving agendas.
 
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Andy Black

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should I execute my idea as a start up thesis with my professor or write my thesis in material science and execute my idea separately on my own?
If you were my daughter I’d suggest you pick whatever’s most likely to achieve your most immediate goal - which sounds to me like graduating from college and getting out of academia?
 

Aishwarya

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Academia and business don't mix well in my experience (unless it's something deeply specialized science-based/pharma) - it kind of seems like your advisor was dreaming of a potential opportunity to get equity as an advisor in your potential start up and didn't care more after you shifted your focus.

Also writing a thesis/doing research is not really the same actual execution of said start up - it may help remotely at best but if you really want to start a business, go and start the business, don't write a thesis about it, and don't depend on any profs as they may have self-serving agendas.
Thank you thank you for this reply (and yes i said it twice) see, that is why I asked! I felt like it would be a mistake to miss that opportunity, as opportunity is so important when it comes to business, but i don't have a good feeling about it. I mean we should do business with someone who actually want to help right? Not just cash on us, I saw that attitude and retreated..

Academia and business don't mix well in my experience (unless it's something deeply specialized science-based/pharma) - it kind of seems like your advisor was dreaming of a potential opportunity to get equity as an advisor in your potential start up and didn't care more after you shifted your focus.

Also writing a thesis/doing research is not really the same actual execution of said start up - it may help remotely at best but if you really want to start a business, go and start the business, don't write a thesis about it, and don't depend on any profs as they may have self-serving agendas.
 

Johnny boy

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a thesis about starting a business is about as useless as reading a book about pushups without doing a single one.

Why are you in school anyways?
 
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Raoul Duke

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a thesis about starting a business is about as useless as reading a book about pushups without doing a single one.

Why are you in school anyways?

0hF4aly.gif
 

Johnny boy

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Engineering :clench:
you're in school because engineering?

What about engineering?

You want to be hired as an engineer?

Why?

You read somewhere that engineers make good money and you want to make daddy proud by making lots of money so that's why you're in school?
 
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Andy Black

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A degree in engineering will be great to have. Not enough engineers in the world or so I hear ( @ZCP ?).

Do you want to work in a job as an engineer first, or go straight to working for yourself?


EDIT: Welcome to the forum btw. Hope you stick around.
 

Aishwarya

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A degree in engineering will be great to have. Not enough engineers in the world or so I hear ( @ZCP ?).

Do you want to work in a job as an engineer first, or go straight to working for yourself?


EDIT: Welcome to the forum btw. Hope you stick around.
yes, I am thinking of some work experience and running my app as a side business and see how it goes. Technology needs traning and systematic schooling, i do not regret studying at all. Thanks for the welcome :)
 

Andy Black

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yes, I am thinking of some work experience and running my app as a side business and see how it goes. Technology needs traning and systematic schooling, i do not regret studying at all. Thanks for the welcome :)
You have skills. Great way to start a business is to sell your skills.

Check out MJ's video here:
 
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Johnny boy

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Leave it to a white male....

Now I know the definition of the "Psychopathic Problem of the White Mind".

You, sir, should be ashamed!!!

Shame! Shame! Shame!
I can't tell if you're trolling but I hope so :rofl:
 

Raja

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a thesis about starting a business is about as useless as reading a book about pushups without doing a single one.

Why are you in school anyways?
From her name I can judge she is from india, and a college is considered what High school is considered in your country. Also colleges are not generally crazy expensive here.
 

Raja

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Hello fastlaners and MJ,

I am in a weird dilemma right now. So I am going to write my thesis now in machine learning (AI). I am trying to come up with different ideas so that I can finally write my thesis and get done with my degree (I am really bored of studying in uni and can't wait to get outta here). Therefore I came up with an idea about cooking assistant (I wasn't even serious) in the discussion with my professor and he was quite excited to write a thesis where I can make a tech start up. But as soon as I dropped that idea for research based thesis (material science failure analysis), he became quite disinterested and said he will supervise and he is not helpful at all. I really doubt he would have been of any help if I would written a start up thesis. The problem is now, to make research thesis, I need data which is very hard to get in today's world, I am in talk with other professors to see if I can find some data, but if I don't then :)(). But I do have start up idea, I would like to create an app, but now I do not feel like executing my idea as start up thesis because I do not like my professor and people around here. But at the same time, I fear that I might lose an opportunity to get some professional assistance in my execution just because of my ego. Right now I am looking for my material science project data (my material science professor also liked this idea but he is not sure about how to get the data either, although he is asking different people), but if not, should I go for my start up idea as thesis? This could be a good frame work for future start up BUT I DO NOT REALLY LIKE MY PROFESSOR:mad:
how good a thesis will serve me for my future start up adventures?

Please enlighten me with some guidance.
Thanks :)
Do something easy and which could be done fast to get you good grades.

For business anything would work and you can always pivot.
 
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Aishwarya

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From her name I can judge she is from india, and a college is considered what High school is considered in your country. Also colleges are not generally crazy expensive here.
By the way, I am from India but I live in Germany. I guess I have mentioned it before somewhere. Ahh now I understand the discussion!
 

Djenis

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So I have a similar background as you. I studied materials science and chemical engineering and graduated as a materials engineer (in Belgium). I worked two years as a process engineer (Germany) before I made the switch to data analyst, to data scientist and now work as a data engineer doing contract work through an LLC I incorporated in January (Belgium).

I assume you want to finish your engineering studies but work in the data / AI space eventually.

A couple of things:
  • An engineering degree is a great asset early in your career because it gives you credibility. Hiring managers are more inclined to trust you when you say "I can learn technology XYZ" if you have this ticket compared to the many self-tought data scientists with a "less rigorous" degree.
  • After about two years of real experience your degree, grades and the things you've learned (except math and programming) become obselete. It's all about your skills and network now. That's why I call the degree a "ticket".
should I execute my idea as a start up thesis with my professor or write my thesis in material science and execute my idea separately on my own?

If you're studying materials science it would make sense to have your thesis in this field as well. If you want to combine materials science (process engineering) and data both that's definitely possible. I did my thesis at an aluminum producer working on statistics and data processing with R and SQL, which got me in the data field. Check out this free live stream of real industrial data by Aker BP and Cognite. There's plenty of opportunities.

And try not to depend on anyone for your learning. Yes, coaching by your professor is useful but he probably won't know anything about data. You will have to build your data/software skills in your spare time, which, if you took your engineering studies seriously, you will have learned how to do efficiently.

Best of luck!
 

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my question is, should I execute my idea as a start up thesis with my professor or write my thesis in material science and execute my idea separately on my own?

Just game the system and do whatever is best to get the best grades.

Then when you are done with that weigh up your options and make the right choice for your long term goals.

I think it makes more sense to go with the material science thesis. Its what they will most likely grade the highest.

If you do the entrepreneurial thesis there is a strong chance they grade it more harshly - they are going to be bias by being in the education space and not understanding/valuing an entrepreneurial perspective.

In short - if you are doing a thesis in the first place then just do whats best to get the highest grade.
 
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Aishwarya

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So I have a similar background as you. I studied materials science and chemical engineering and graduated as a materials engineer (in Belgium). I worked two years as a process engineer (Germany) before I made the switch to data analyst, to data scientist and now work as a data engineer doing contract work through an LLC I incorporated in January (Belgium).

I assume you want to finish your engineering studies but work in the data / AI space eventually.

A couple of things:
  • An engineering degree is a great asset early in your career because it gives you credibility. Hiring managers are more inclined to trust you when you say "I can learn technology XYZ" if you have this ticket compared to the many self-tought data scientists with a "less rigorous" degree.
  • After about two years of real experience your degree, grades and the things you've learned (except math and programming) become obselete. It's all about your skills and network now. That's why I call the degree a "ticket".


If you're studying materials science it would make sense to have your thesis in this field as well. If you want to combine materials science (process engineering) and data both that's definitely possible. I did my thesis at an aluminum producer working on statistics and data processing with R and SQL, which got me in the data field. Check out this free live stream of real industrial data by Aker BP and Cognite. There's plenty of opportunities.

And try not to depend on anyone for your learning. Yes, coaching by your professor is useful but he probably won't know anything about data. You will have to build your data/software skills in your spare time, which, if you took your engineering studies seriously, you will have learned how to do efficiently.

Best of luck!
this is perfect reply... thanks :)
 

AppMan

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my question is, should I execute my idea as a start up thesis with my professor or write my thesis in material science and execute my idea separately on my own?
Execute separately on your own, any way academic people are not good business people , I tried to team up with them before and they just not interested in making money , they just enjoy solving problems , and teaching
 

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