While researching for my thesis about online self-marketing, I stumbled upon the question in which language I should write the thesis. This rather obvious matter had not yet occurred to me.

Somehow I had assumed I would write it in German, since I am German. But just today I realized that this might not be the best way to do it and looking into the problem some more, I discovered that there are more advantages than disadvantages for writing my thesis in English:

PRO:

• the thesis will reach a wider audience
• international marketing opportunities, e.g.:
  • link on website to download sites: Scribd, Docstock, Grin
  • job-hunting: HR staff can read thesis
• it is possible to find a native speaker for corrections
• a lot of marketing terms are in English (or mostly used in English)
• most of the resources are in English
• I consider my English sufficient enough

CON:

• It is not my native language
• finding a native speaker for correction is more complicated
• possibility of problems with staff of my university (unconfirmed)
• little knowledge about American / English formatting standards for dissertations

I think everybody, not only students, who write their thesis about something concerning the Internet or international issues, should consider writing their thesis in English.

I am of the opinion that every topic is of international interest nowadays.

For example: When you write a thesis about “the German taxation system for small and medium sized companies in Hamburg” it might not only be interesting to Germans. Companies considering to open an office there might be interested in this research in order to determine whether their plans convenient or they might consider another location. Moreover it might help them to deal with the taxation issues during their start-up period.

You can see that you might just not know to whom your research could be of benefit.

This opens up a great opportunity for you to promote yourself and your work. Additionally to the advantages of writing a thesis in English, which I mentioned above, if you have a personal website it is always good to give something away for free. This can build credibility and drive more people to your website by word-of-mouth.

Now I will see if I can eliminate or diminish the disadvantages.