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number of items: 20
total items: 111
item list element: Creating Better Support: Economics Students’ Recommendations for Success
item list element: The Math Classes to Take if You’re Serious About Economics (or Data Science)
item list element: Discovering Graduate Economics Through a Summer School
item list element: How AI is Re-shaping Economics Postgraduate Education - An Insider View from a Current PhD Student
item list element: What Studying Business Taught Me About Economics
item list element: Top Tips for Applying to a UK or European PhD Program
item list element: How to Search for a PhD Program
item list element: What my Finance Internship Taught me about Economics
item list element: How (Not) to Do Your PhD
item list element: What is a "Model" in Economics?
item list element: Why I Didn’t Use AI for my PhD Application
item list element: How to Write a Research Proposal
item list element: Applying for a PhD: Should you do a Master of Research?
item list element: Extracurricular activities to help your economics career while at university
item list element: What makes a successful economist?
item list element: Economists Have a Sense of Humor Too: Economics Memes That Will Make You “LOL”
item list element: A gentle introduction to LaTeX for economists
item list element: The GRE is changing: ETS to streamline the test in September 2023
item list element: Which Concentration Should You Choose For Your Master's Degree in Economics?
item list element: A quick guide to math symbols in economics
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Creating Better Support: Economics Students’ Recommendations for Success
type: Article
title: Creating Better Support: Economics Students’ Recommendations for Success
description: Research shows that unclear or fragmented support structures in higher education increase cognitive load and can disproportionately affect students from underrepresented backgrounds. This has implications for progression, attainment and continuation (de Henau, 2024; Sweller, 2024; Strayhorn, 2021; Thomas, 2012). In this context, effective support provision depends not only on availability, but on clarity, accessibility, and how easily students can navigate systems in practice. To investigate this, I carried out focus group discussions with students towards the end of the first-year of their degree. Students shared their views on the current support offered and how this could be better tailored to meet their diverse needs. The recommendations presented below were constructed using inductive thematic analysis and are grounded in students’ views and perspectives, illustrated through direct quotes. While student insights form the foundation of the analysis, the recommendations do not simply represent direct student proposals. Instead, they reflect analytically developed responses to recurring barriers identified in the data, informed by evidence-based practice in student support and inclusive curriculum design (de Henau, 2024; Biggs and Tang, 2015; Thomas, 2012). The recommendations aim to improve the visibility, accessibility and effectiveness of student support. The findings are particularly relevant within the context of increasing sector-wide attention on student belonging, continuation, attainment and inclusive educational practices. Top five actionable suggestions from focus group discussions These findings build on complementary work examining barriers to student engagement with economics support schemes, which provides additional context on why students do not always make use of available support (Williams Higgins, 2026). 1. Use a centralised dashboard: a single hub outlining all schemes, their purpose and access details. Many first-year students are unsure of t…
disambiguating description: In many UK universities, students’ first-year grades do not contribute to their final degree classification. The first year provides a critical period of transition, shaping students’ confidence, help-seeking behaviours, sense of belonging and engagement with their subject and university life. Student support is an important pillar of this foundation, and students’ voices are important in creating the right type of support.
date posted: 2026-08-04T13:30:00Z
date modified: 2026-08-11T14:28:05Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: Economics Teaching Advice
keywords: Melisa Williams Higgins
keywords: Student Support
type: teach
disciplines: politics
disciplines: economics
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: datascience
disciplines: generaleconomics
disciplines: finance
disciplines: statistics
discipline labels: Politics
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: Data Science
discipline labels: General Economics (JEL A)
discipline labels: Finance
discipline labels: Statistics

The Math Classes to Take if You’re Serious About Economics (or Data Science)
type: Article
title: The Math Classes to Take if You’re Serious About Economics (or Data Science)
description: However, as our mathematical prowess and computing capabilities grew, economics naturally grew more quantitative as well. Nowadays, even Bachelor’s courses in economics are relatively math-heavy, requiring basic knowledge of calculus from early on. That’s not to say that economics was ever a purely qualitative field — it’s always been in a comfortable relationship with mathematics. Adam Smith, one of the earliest economists, was an accomplished mathematician himself. In fact, many economists were originally mathematicians who became interested in economics at some point in their careers. And it’s noteworthy that Joseph Schumpeter — the economist who coined the term “creative destruction” — was a strong advocate of marrying math and economics, despite seldom using math himself (because, as other economists have retold it, he allegedly regretted that he wasn’t very good at it despite recognizing its value). While it is possible to pursue a career in economics without strong quantitative skills, refusing to partake in them at all is certainly an uphill battle. And so, we’re providing the following list of quantitative subjects that are increasingly integral (ha, ha) to becoming an economist in today’s world. In fact, they’re also arguably necessary if you want to become a data scientist or natural scientist as well! Calculus This subject should be thought of as a prerequisite for serious study in economics, computer science, and data science. Almost every single course in economics will feature several of the following concepts: derivatives, limits, integrals, and/or algebraic manipulation of complicated expressions including logarithms and exponentials. For a brief explanation as to why, consider that optimizing a function — or in other words, finding a maximum or a minimum — requires taking derivatives. When we consider how consumers maximize their utility or how firms minimize their factor costs, we must use derivatives and other mathematical tools. Thus, optimizati…
disambiguating description: Love it or hate it, economics is a discipline that becomes increasingly mathematical the deeper you get into it. It wasn’t always this way; many contributions to the field have been made through logical arguments and even philosophy.
date posted: 2026-04-14T12:20:28Z
date modified: 2026-04-14T12:30:00Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: Math Classes
keywords: Regression
keywords: Sean McClung
keywords: Economics Degree
keywords: Econometrics
keywords: Math for Economics
keywords: Statistics
type: advice
disciplines: othereconomics
disciplines: economics
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: econometricsstatisticsquantitative
disciplines: datascience
disciplines: statistics
discipline labels: Other Special Economics Topics (JEL Z)
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: Econometrics, Statistics and Quantitative Methods (JEL C)
discipline labels: Data Science
discipline labels: Statistics

Discovering Graduate Economics Through a Summer School
type: Article
title: Discovering Graduate Economics Through a Summer School
description: In 2024 and 2025, two undergraduates, Ellen Lac (University of Edinburgh) and Jem Grimley (University of Warwick), attended the Fundamentals of Graduate Economics & Finance summer school run by the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics. Here is what they found most valuable. At a glance • What it is: a one-week intensive introduction to core graduate foundations • What you study: mathematical analysis and econometrics, supported by seminars and problem-solving • Who it suits: undergraduates preparing for postgraduate economics, and early-stage graduates who want to strengthen quantitative foundations • What you gain: a clearer sense of graduate expectations, plus a cohort network and insight sessions on pathways in economics Before the course: preparation that pays off <img src="https://d35w6hwqhdq0in.cloudfront.net/transform/scale,h=227,w=303,fillArea=True:webp/c00b05794cdc3d9628289588bce8f29d.jpg" data-align="right" data-entity-uuid="43aa85a1-9c9a-4bf6-990d-df80a3844fc1" data-entity-type="file" alt="A tour of Oxford during an economics and finance summer school at the University of Oxford." width="227" height="303" data-caption="A tour of Oxford during the Fundamentals of Graduate Economics and Finance Summer School at the University of Oxford"> Both Ellen and Jem emphasised the value of the preparatory reading provided in advance. With a structured reading list, students can bridge gaps in knowledge and arrive ready to engage with more advanced concepts. • Jem found the materials especially helpful for consolidating what he already knew, and for identifying areas to revise before teaching began. • Ellen felt the preparation helped bring students from different academic backgrounds onto a shared footing. If you are considering the course, the message from both students is simple: do the preparation. It makes the first few days far more manageable. The academic core: building the toolkit The week is designed to introduce the foundations many students encou…
disambiguating description: If you are an undergraduate student of economics, the prospect of a Master’s, MRes or PhD can feel hard to picture. You might be wondering what the pace is like, how mathematical the first term really is, and what “graduate-level” expectations look like day to day. One practical way to find out is to take part in a summer school designed specifically as a bridge into postgraduate study. These courses introduce more advanced methods than most undergraduate programmes cover in depth, and they help you identify what to strengthen before you apply.
date posted: 2026-03-13T10:57:45Z
date modified: 2026-03-16T15:00:00Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: Economics
keywords: Economics Summer School
keywords: Oxford Economics Summer School
keywords: Ellen Lac
keywords: Jem Grimley
keywords: Oxford Economics
type: advice
disciplines: economics
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: generaleconomics
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: General Economics (JEL A)

How AI is Re-shaping Economics Postgraduate Education - An Insider View from a Current PhD Student
type: Article
title: How AI is Re-shaping Economics Postgraduate Education - An Insider View from a Current PhD Student
description: Below I present three main reasons why it is becoming increasingly difficult to imagine postgraduate education without the use of AI. Whether you’re a student or a lecturer, knowing how to use AI effectively — or just being aware of how students are already making use of it — will help you succeed. 1) AI offers better searches for niche information Many of the common AI models can be used as a search tool, making them the first truly new innovation enabling Internet searches since the emergence of sites like Yahoo! and Ask.com - and of course google - in the second half of the 1990s. This search feature makes it a great study and research partner, beyond what a typical user can accomplish with a search engine. One of the weaknesses of traditional search engines is that it can be hard to find the specific information you need, especially if you’re searching for something niche, or if the language used for that topic is generic. For example, consider a scenario where your favorite bakery is a small mom-and-pop shop named “Croissant”. Or, for a more economics-relevant example, consider searching for content about the inverse elasticity of substitution in (specifically) the neoclassical growth model. In both cases, it can be extremely difficult to find the right information you need. In the first case it’s hard to craft a good search with such limited language, since “croissant” will return far too many irrelevant results. And in the latter case, the need to be extremely specific (thus using so many words) means that a traditional search will end up getting lots of irrelevant content as well. Even using advanced search functions might be ineffective, or at least time-consuming. But AI has the ability to sidestep a lot of these problems. That’s partly because if an LLM answers with something you weren’t looking for, you can just tell it that, and it will pivot to your intended meaning instead. This makes LLMs ideal tools to begin a search for esoteric information — altho…
disambiguating description: We all know that AI models are becoming increasingly commonplace, with hundreds of software companies now offering AI-powered tools, and dozens of iterations of ChatGPT and similar LLMs popping up every year. While some bemoan AI tools, they’ve also been lauded as powerful and helpful tools that we ought to be using every day. Regardless of where you stand on the AI-usage spectrum, one thing is certain: AI models are reshaping education, even at the highest levels. Economics is no exception. Even for PhD students like me, AI tools are becoming a feature of student life — and when used smartly, can be a great asset to learning.
date posted: 2026-03-06T10:23:50Z
date modified: 2026-03-06T10:30:00Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: AI for Postgraduate Education
keywords: AI in University
keywords: Sean McClung
keywords: AI for Modelling
keywords: AI for Economics
keywords: AI Education
type: teach
disciplines: politics
disciplines: othereconomics
disciplines: economics
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: datascience
disciplines: generaleconomics
disciplines: finance
disciplines: statistics
discipline labels: Politics
discipline labels: Other Special Economics Topics (JEL Z)
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: Data Science
discipline labels: General Economics (JEL A)
discipline labels: Finance
discipline labels: Statistics

What Studying Business Taught Me About Economics
type: Article
title: What Studying Business Taught Me About Economics
description: Before diving deeper, let me state clearly: I don’t believe this is the best strategy that an aspiring economist could take for their studies. If you love economics, it’s much more efficient to simply study economics. Still, my undergraduate degree — and my subsequent experiences working in industry — have given me some valuable perspective about business and economic theory. In particular, this article shares some largely intangible factors that I think about often when reading (relevant) economics research papers, or thinking about my own future research. I hope that it offers food for thought to current business students who may be thinking about a switch to economics within their current program or for a postgraduate degree. Without further ado, let’s dive in! The economically ideal firm: a rarity in reality When firms are discussed in economic theory, they’re usually depicted as lean, efficient, profit-maximizing entities that adjust rapidly to market conditions. In a similar vein as the ever-present rational economic man, this is good enough for the purposes of learning, and it greatly simplifies the math that economists must perform (without losing important nuance). Still, from my time in both studying businesses and working in them, I’ve learned and experienced many things that show this isn’t always the case. In fact, I think it’s almost never the case that a firm lives up to the economic ideal of a profit-maximizing machine (a hot take for the Neoclassicals in the room, but perhaps not surprising for the rest of you!). There are many reasons for this, some of which surprised me when I started working for the first time. Soft skills are hard to measure, but intensely important in the real world In the world of business, it’s no secret that soft skills are important. Soft skills include the ability to interact well with other coworkers, and importantly to present oneself and one’s work as useful and impressive. An employee who does great work but isn’t very…
disambiguating description: When I was an undergraduate student and took my first economics class, I was hooked. But, rather than major in economics, I chose to major in business. That’s because I wanted to understand how the economy worked at its “smallest” unit, which I surmised was the individual business. Economics can of course study individuals and their decision-making too, but at least on the supply side, I thought that a single business could be considered the smallest unit of the economy. Economic theory can tell us how firms behave in a perfectly theoretical world…but how do they actually function? This was a question that captured my attention, and I decided to major in business (with a concentration in management consulting) to understand the working world as much as I could.
date posted: 2026-02-05T10:06:08Z
date modified: 2026-02-05T10:10:00Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: Business Degree
keywords: Sean McClung
keywords: Business and Economics
type: advice
disciplines: othereconomics
disciplines: economics
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: finance
disciplines: industrialorganization
discipline labels: Other Special Economics Topics (JEL Z)
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: Finance
discipline labels: Industrial Organization (JEL L)

Top Tips for Applying to a UK or European PhD Program
type: Article
title: Top Tips for Applying to a UK or European PhD Program
description: So, without further ado, here are my top tips when applying to a UK or European-style PhD program. 1. Give yourself plenty of time Applying for a PhD isn’t something you can accomplish in a single night, or even a single week. In fact, applying might well take you a few months — especially if you need to contact a potential supervisor before applying, which a fair portion of schools in the UK and Europe require. In fact, even the process of identifying the institutions you wish to apply to, and learning how their application portals and processes work, will take some time. Many application portals are hosted on outdated-looking website infrastructure that can be difficult to navigate, and some will even create a unique applicant inbox for you that will house your communications. In this case, the university won’t email you directly, and you’ll have to check each portal for updates (this is admittedly rare, but one of the universities I applied to used this system!). Moreover, every university may have slightly different quirks with regard to the documents they require. It really pays to be aware of these things in advance, and make sure you have every document you need for each institution you wish to apply to. 2. Understand the type of program you’re applying to There are actually a few different types of economics PhD programs you can apply to (check out the linked article for more on this). US-style programs are normally 5-year commitments that include 2 years of classes before you begin your dissertation research, and the applications are treated very similarly to other university program applications. In these programs, there are usually qualifying exams that you must pass in order to continue with your degree, but typically during this entire period of study you are considered a PhD student. European-style PhD programs, however, often only last for 3 years and don’t include the coursework portion. Instead, you seek a supervisor (by reaching out to professors a…
disambiguating description: Recently, I applied to PhD programs in the UK and Europe. I’m from the USA originally, but I got my Master’s in Economics and Management Science in Berlin, Germany. So, when it came time to apply for economics PhDs, I cast a wide net across Europe. I’ve proven that I can handle applying to, moving to, and studying in a foreign country, after all. But it turns out that I still had a lot to learn about applying to PhDs! That’s partly because US-style PhD programs are different from UK- or European-style PhD programs, and partly because applying for a PhD is just different than applying for a Master’s degree.
date posted: 2025-12-02T13:13:26Z
date modified: 2025-12-02T13:20:00Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: PhD Application
keywords: Sean McClung
keywords: Economics PhD Application
keywords: UK PhD Application
keywords: Applying to a PhD
keywords: Europe PhD Application
type: advice
disciplines: politics
disciplines: economics
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: datascience
disciplines: generaleconomics
disciplines: finance
disciplines: statistics
discipline labels: Politics
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: Data Science
discipline labels: General Economics (JEL A)
discipline labels: Finance
discipline labels: Statistics

How to Search for a PhD Program
type: Article
title: How to Search for a PhD Program
description: 1. Understand what type of PhD you want Perhaps surprisingly, there are different ways to acquire a PhD, and some of them are very likely to appeal to you more than others. There are American-style PhD programs and European-style PhD programs, each of which can suit different applicants better than others; further, there are research assistant positions that can lead into PhDs, Master’s programs that can lead to PhDs, and even Master’s programs that are considered part of a larger PhD program. For more detail about these different avenues, be sure to check out our article on the Master of Research (MRes) and our article on American vs. European-style PhD programs. Once you’ve got a good idea of which type of program interests you, next comes the difficult task of identifying the specific institutions you’re interested in. But the first step to doing this is often looking inward, first. 2. Think about your research interests and location preferences You are unique and have your own interests and skills, which unfortunately means that there’s no easy and quick way to discover which economics departments are the most interesting or best fit for you. While there are many places where you can begin your search, it really helps to have an understanding of what you want first. Your research interests are probably the single most important factor determining which economics departments will be a good fit for you. Even if you don’t have any strong research interests (yet!), you still very likely have general areas of economics that interest you more than others. If macroeconomics courses always excited you, you should naturally look for universities with a strong focus on macroeconomic research, and avoid programs with more of a microeconomics focus. If identifying your own interests seems daunting or overly prescriptive, here’s a great way to start narrowing it down: think about the research papers you’ve been exposed to before. If you’ve read any research papers that intri…
disambiguating description: Economists often need PhDs to reach their career goals. According to INOMICS’ Salary Report data — and as Figure 3 in our PhD pay premium article shows — the vast majority of professional economists earn a PhD at some point in their careers. Academic economists are expected to acquire one in order to do research, while a PhD can often be a prerequisite for high-level industry economist jobs. But no matter how experienced, all PhD economists, at one point, were mere students searching for a good place to study. While important, how to search for the right place to study is seldom discussed…and there are thousands of universities with great economics departments out there. Feeling overwhelmed, and curious for some tips for your own search? Read on!
date posted: 2025-10-08T07:49:28Z
date modified: 2025-12-02T13:46:32Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: PhD in Economics
keywords: How to Find an Econ PhD
keywords: PhD Application
keywords: PhD Applications
keywords: INOMICS PhD
type: advice
disciplines: politics
disciplines: othereconomics
disciplines: labordemographiceconomics
disciplines: economicdevelopmentgrowth
disciplines: healtheducationwelfareeconomics
disciplines: economicsystems
disciplines: macroeconomicsmonetary
disciplines: laweconomics
disciplines: agriculturalenvironmentaleconomics
disciplines: generaleconomics
disciplines: businesseconomics
disciplines: economicthoughtmethodology
disciplines: industrialorganization
disciplines: microeconomics
disciplines: internationaleconomics
disciplines: publiceconomicspolicy
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: datascience
disciplines: urbanruraltransportationeconomics
disciplines: economichistory
disciplines: economics
disciplines: financialeconomics
disciplines: econometricsstatisticsquantitative
disciplines: finance
disciplines: statistics
discipline labels: Politics
discipline labels: Other Special Economics Topics (JEL Z)
discipline labels: Labor and Demographic Economics (JEL J)
discipline labels: Economic Development, Innovation and Growth (JEL O)
discipline labels: Health, Education, and Welfare (JEL I)
discipline labels: Economic Systems (JEL P)
discipline labels: Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics (JEL E)
discipline labels: Law and Economics (JEL K)
discipline labels: Agricultural and Environmental Economics (JEL Q)
discipline labels: General Economics (JEL A)
discipline labels: Business Economics (JEL M)
discipline labels: Economic Thought & Methodology (JEL B)
discipline labels: Industrial Organization (JEL L)
discipline labels: Microeconomics (JEL D)
discipline labels: International Economics (JEL F)
discipline labels: Public Economics & Economic Policy (JEL H)
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: Data Science
discipline labels: Urban, Rural and Transportation Economics (JEL R)
discipline labels: Economic History (JEL N)
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Financial Economics (JEL G)
discipline labels: Econometrics, Statistics and Quantitative Methods (JEL C)
discipline labels: Finance
discipline labels: Statistics

What my Finance Internship Taught me about Economics
type: Article
title: What my Finance Internship Taught me about Economics
description: 1. Finance is a rich area of research…and the industry can be artificially complex Finance is not primarily concerned with the stock market, although that’s what most people immediately think of. TIAA-CREF stands for “Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America-College Retirement Equities Fund”. It’s a massive firm that began when US entrepreneur Andrew Carnegie decided to create a not-for-profit pension service for academic professors in 1918. He later created a board of governors to allow educators themselves to help run the non-profit. Even within this one single firm, I was blown away by the sheer amount of different things that existed. Products and services across this huge firm were varied and sometimes had little to do with each other. TIAA has dozens upon dozens of financial products: annuities, IRAs, HSAs, guaranteed and variable lifetime income vehicles, and more. I could scarcely wrap my head around them all…but that’s, I suspect, a natural result of how the finance industry has evolved. For example, if finance was easy to navigate, anyone would be able to plan and execute a sufficient retirement plan for themselves. Choosing the right investment vehicles or the right mix of assets would be straightforward. There are other benefits that firms like TIAA could end up serving — for instance, the ability to pool money with other investors to create larger funds — but overall, from a microeconomics perspective, the finance industry is heavily disincentivized from making finance easy to understand to laypeople. That may be partly because it would cost the finance industry, or society in general, money to broadly educate the public, and partly because some firms’ services benefit from general lack of knowledge about finance. Financial advisors are a great example of this: they’re a useful and thriving service in part because many people don’t have the knowledge (or time to acquire said knowledge) that would let them invest or pursue their financial go…
disambiguating description: Towards the end of my undergraduate degree, I had the chance to work with upper-level managers on a strategy retreat as part of a summer finance internship. The internship was at TIAA-CREF (now known as just TIAA), and the retreat intended to help the firm strategize about the direction they should take in several aspects of the company. As a Bachelor’s student specializing in consulting, it was my responsibility to help them make use of a management consulting framework and mindset while doing it. This experience was my first foray into the finance industry. As I’ve progressed in my own studies, it’s given me plenty to reflect on as I’ve encountered various economic theories of the firm. Read on for the top three things I learned about economics from my finance internship!
date posted: 2025-09-04T09:18:07Z
date modified: 2026-05-13T06:56:41Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: Economics Internship
keywords: Finance Internship
keywords: Internship
type: advice
disciplines: economics
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: generaleconomics
disciplines: finance
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: General Economics (JEL A)
discipline labels: Finance

How (Not) to Do Your PhD
type: Article
title: How (Not) to Do Your PhD
description: Having recently completed my PhD, in this piece I share everything I learned about doing a doctorate, drawn from my own experience. I like to call it the bad kind of advice. You will not find it in official PhD manuals, and your supervisors probably will not spell it out for you either. But you will hear it from those who have cooked in this kitchen: former PhD students like me, who came out the other side with the degree in hand. Marry your research topic A PhD is the kind of commitment you make in a long-term relationship. Over four years (or more), you will likely stay within the same field, so choose wisely. Think of it as keeping the spark alive: you will go to conferences where people mostly discuss your topic, read endless papers about it, and produce your own knowledge within it. All of this, day after day (weekends off are not guaranteed). Of course, you will have some flexibility to branch out within your field, but the core focus tends to remain the same, so genuine curiosity and passion for your topic help immensely. When I began my PhD journey, I felt pretty solid in my choice. I had already written my Master’s thesis on the same topic and worked as a research assistant during my undergrad years on a related project. That early start helped me familiarise myself with the field, the key literature, and the main gaps. Because the topic felt so familiar, I was genuinely excited to keep reading those papers. That kept me going without ever feeling bored. Grow comfortable with asking questions Your first big question will be your research question. But rest assured, many more follow: technical questions like how to cluster standard errors for a tricky model; practical ones like how to book accommodation for a conference using graduate school funds. Later on, you’ll face a bigger one: I am nearly done — what do I do next, and how exactly? I was never shy about asking questions when I felt uncertain, and it helped me learn how things work fast. That efficiency…
disambiguating description: You are about to start your journey as a PhD student this fall. Congratulations! It must feel like you now have all the time in the world to turn that research proposal you submitted with your application into reality. So, how do you make the most of that experience?
date posted: 2025-08-18T11:22:39Z
date modified: 2025-08-18T11:30:00Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: Economics PhD
keywords: Starting a PhD
keywords: PhD Help
keywords: Hanna Sakhno
keywords: Doctorate
type: advice
disciplines: economics
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: generaleconomics
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: General Economics (JEL A)

What is a "Model" in Economics?
type: Article
title: What is a "Model" in Economics?
description: The purpose of a model is to (more) easily study real life Models in economics are imaginary constructs that approximate how the real-world economy functions, so that economists can predict how economic concepts and policies (would) work. Even though models are imaginary, they’re useful because each of them is composed of a set of rules and assumptions that attempt to reflect real-world behavior. Many of these rules and assumptions are defined by math symbols. Once a model is fully constructed, economists most often use math to determine what the model ends up saying, or predicting, about the real world. These conclusions inspire most of the discussion and debate about economic models. Economists will often debate if the assumptions make sense, if a given model is accurate, and whether or not the model can help us learn about real life. Because models are abstract, it’s very easy for economists to adjust them. This can be done by changing assumptions, or adding new ones. Often, new and useful models are built by adding onto older ones in this way. Entire schools of thought in economics are often defined by this very activity. For example, when Keynesians decried the unrealistic assumptions of classical economic models (particularly the idea that all markets will self-correct and reach a socially optimal equilibrium, rendering government intervention virtually useless), classicists adjusted their existing models to account for more realistic behavior. This led to the “Neoclassical” school of thought. It may seem like we’ve had plenty of time to build all of the economic models we need, but that’s far from the case. Theoretical economics papers are still routinely published, and economists are diving ever deeper into both theory and data to create models that can better approximate real life. For example, macroeconomists continue to build macroeconomic models that directly flow out of microeconomic behavior, and microeconomists continue to build increasingly complicat…
disambiguating description: The word "model" is used a lot in discussions about economics. However, economics courses often don’t spend a lot of time defining the word or what exactly it means. Rather, students usually end up piecing together their idea of what models are after learning several specific examples (such as the Solow-Swan or OLG models). This article fills in the gap by discussing the fundamentals of models and how they’re used in economics. There are many similarities between the myriad models utilized in the field, including common use cases and common assumptions. Understanding these commonalities will help you use and interpret economic models effectively, avoid misconceptions, and identify when these models are not necessarily relevant or useful.
date posted: 2025-05-23T08:21:20Z
date modified: 2026-06-29T12:52:37Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: Models in Economics
keywords: Economics Help
keywords: Economics Study Advice
keywords: What is an economic model?
keywords: Economics Advice
keywords: Economic Models
keywords: INOMICS Advice
type: advice
disciplines: economics
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: econometricsstatisticsquantitative
disciplines: generaleconomics
disciplines: statistics
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: Econometrics, Statistics and Quantitative Methods (JEL C)
discipline labels: General Economics (JEL A)
discipline labels: Statistics

Why I Didn’t Use AI for my PhD Application
type: Article
title: Why I Didn’t Use AI for my PhD Application
description: However, as a member of INOMICS’ editorial board, I found that AI tools back then lacked the ability to write a thorough, in-depth, and engaging article about economics topics such as how corruption can affect economic growth or the pros and cons of focusing on “mesoeconomics”. We decided to not use AI tools in our article-writing or editing process. Similarly, I decided not to use AI tools at all when I was applying for PhD programs. That’s not to say that I think these models can’t ever be helpful – I’ve found that AI LLM models are very helpful for one thing in particular: generating ideas. However, I’m serious about becoming a PhD economist, and was determined to submit the very best of my own writing for my applications. Further, there’s always a concern that using AI tools would be considered a form of plagiarism. I think not using AI tools at all for my application was the right choice, and I think it’ll be the right choice for you, too. What’s more, even if AI models become incredibly capable “economists” on their own, I think eschewing them will still be the right choice for your application process. Without further ado, let’s explore the reasons why. First: hallucination adds extra work, and relying on AI delays you from building your own expertise AI models are known to hallucinate. That means, when using them for an important purpose, checking the AI’s output for accuracy is critically important – but that adds work that I didn’t feel was worth it for my application. I felt that the effort I’d have needed to spend studying each aspect of the AI model’s output (to ensure it was accurate) would have been inefficient. Instead, I spent time reading the economics literature myself, seeing what interested me, and reading about how other economists in the space structured their research. This was very helpful, especially as I began to outline my own phd research proposal. Think of it this way: if you want to be a successful PhD student, you’ll need to understan…
disambiguating description: AI tools have become widespread since news of ChatGPT-3.5 prompted me, in early 2023, to make an OpenAI account. I remember sitting in a coffee shop, sipping on a latte, and holding a half-dozen “conversations” with the newly released model. I asked it a series of math questions. I asked it about politics and about poetry. I asked it to write me a short story. I even asked it questions about niche topics like Settlers of Catan to see if it “understood” strategy in the context of a game. And, of course, I asked it about economics.
date posted: 2025-04-28T12:39:00Z
date modified: 2025-04-30T10:07:54Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: AI Applications
keywords: PhD Application
keywords: AI in Economics
keywords: Research Proposal
keywords: AI in Academia
type: advice
disciplines: politics
disciplines: othereconomics
disciplines: labordemographiceconomics
disciplines: economicdevelopmentgrowth
disciplines: healtheducationwelfareeconomics
disciplines: economicsystems
disciplines: macroeconomicsmonetary
disciplines: laweconomics
disciplines: agriculturalenvironmentaleconomics
disciplines: generaleconomics
disciplines: businesseconomics
disciplines: economicthoughtmethodology
disciplines: industrialorganization
disciplines: microeconomics
disciplines: internationaleconomics
disciplines: publiceconomicspolicy
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: datascience
disciplines: urbanruraltransportationeconomics
disciplines: economichistory
disciplines: economics
disciplines: financialeconomics
disciplines: econometricsstatisticsquantitative
disciplines: finance
disciplines: statistics
discipline labels: Politics
discipline labels: Other Special Economics Topics (JEL Z)
discipline labels: Labor and Demographic Economics (JEL J)
discipline labels: Economic Development, Innovation and Growth (JEL O)
discipline labels: Health, Education, and Welfare (JEL I)
discipline labels: Economic Systems (JEL P)
discipline labels: Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics (JEL E)
discipline labels: Law and Economics (JEL K)
discipline labels: Agricultural and Environmental Economics (JEL Q)
discipline labels: General Economics (JEL A)
discipline labels: Business Economics (JEL M)
discipline labels: Economic Thought & Methodology (JEL B)
discipline labels: Industrial Organization (JEL L)
discipline labels: Microeconomics (JEL D)
discipline labels: International Economics (JEL F)
discipline labels: Public Economics & Economic Policy (JEL H)
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: Data Science
discipline labels: Urban, Rural and Transportation Economics (JEL R)
discipline labels: Economic History (JEL N)
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Financial Economics (JEL G)
discipline labels: Econometrics, Statistics and Quantitative Methods (JEL C)
discipline labels: Finance
discipline labels: Statistics

How to Write a Research Proposal
type: Article
title: How to Write a Research Proposal
description: Take a deep breath, read this article, and start brainstorming! Step 0: Understand What a Research Proposal is For The main purpose of your research proposal is to give the admissions committee an idea of two things: your ability to conduct quality research in economics, and your suitability for the program itself. Because of its importance, it’s also highly advisable to start this process as early as possible – ideally several months before application deadlines. Your proposal should indicate to the admissions committee that you understand the field and are capable of (with the right training and supervision) producing quality economics research. The topic you choose, the initial literature review you conduct, your intended methodology, and more: all of these will signal to the admissions committee that you either understand what it takes to conduct serious research, or that you do not. But even if the committee believes your research proposal is excellent, you may not be admitted. That’s because the second purpose of the proposal is to show that your research interests are a good fit for that specific economics department’s work. Remember, to earn your PhD, there must be a faculty member at that school who’s willing to supervise your research! You could have an absolutely amazing research proposal on microfinance, yet be rejected by the program on the grounds that none of their economics faculty are interested in microfinance. That’s why the next two steps in the process are critically important. Step 1: Identify your Research Interests Before you start writing your proposal, you obviously need a topic. It’s important to identify what you’re most interested in, especially since – if you’re accepted – research in this area will become your life for the next several years! The field of economics is vast, and there are a wide variety of papers being published. If you’re unsure where to start, first consider the economics classes you’ve enjoyed most in the past. Do yo…
disambiguating description: If you’re applying for a European-style economics PhD or Master’s of Research program, it’s highly likely that you’ll be asked to submit a research proposal. This is a document where you’ll describe the original research project you intend to pursue if you’re accepted into the economics program. This is going to be a fairly intense process. While not legally binding, this document is a major part of your application, and it’s extremely important to write a convincing and high-quality proposal. Giving yourself as much time as possible to work on it can only help you. However, if you’re applying to PhDs for the first time, this is also most likely your first time writing an economics research proposal. So, what to do?
date posted: 2025-03-13T08:40:00Z
date modified: 2026-05-18T14:05:17Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: Economics Research Proposal
keywords: PhD Application
keywords: Economics PhD Application
keywords: Research Proposal
type: advice
disciplines: politics
disciplines: economics
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: datascience
disciplines: generaleconomics
disciplines: finance
disciplines: statistics
discipline labels: Politics
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: Data Science
discipline labels: General Economics (JEL A)
discipline labels: Finance
discipline labels: Statistics

Applying for a PhD: Should you do a Master of Research?
type: Article
title: Applying for a PhD: Should you do a Master of Research?
description: Introducing the Master of Research<o:p></o:p> The Master of Research (or MRes) is an advanced post-graduate degree that is considered a stepping-stone towards PhD study. Often, and perhaps confusingly, this type of degree requires applicants to have a Master’s degree in the relevant subject area already. Importantly, the two types of Master’s are often differentiated: a Master of Science in Economics is often referred to as a “taught” Master’s, while an MRes is referred to as a “research” Master’s. However, an MRes is still a Master’s degree and not a PhD-level certification.<o:p></o:p> These degrees can go by several different names, and are most commonly available in the UK, Australia, Ireland, Singapore, and Hong Kong. These programs may also be listed as MPhil/PhD programs (standing for Master of Philosophy/PhD), or “Master of Letters”, abbreviated M.Litt programs (typically in Ireland). Although this type of degree can be very helpful as a stepping-stone to a PhD, they can be little-known outside of the countries that offer them.<o:p></o:p> MRes programs aim to prepare their students for serious academic research work, and expect that students come already equipped with significant subject matter knowledge – hence why many outright require applicants to already hold a taught Master’s degree. These programs typically last one to two years and are rarely longer. Most programs also require students to write a Master’s thesis (even if you’ve already written one before!). After completing an MRes in economics, students will have training not only in economics subject matter, but in conducting economic research as well, something that Master of Science programs often don’t have much time for. Many MRes programs – as evidenced by the MPhil/PhD moniker – often expect their students to continue into a PhD program immediately afterward.<o:p></o:p> Is an MRes right for you?<o:p></o:p> Pursuing an Economics MRes (or equivalently, an MPhil/PhD or MLitt program) could be an …
disambiguating description: There are many paths to preparing for an economics PhD. Most students apply for PhD programs soon after finishing their Master’s degree. Some even apply directly after their Bachelor’s degree. Others work first, for example as a research assistant before applying. There are benefits to all of these approaches, and depending on your academic accomplishments and personal goals, some paths may suit you better than others. In this article we look in depth at the merits of a Masters of Research (MRes) as an option for PhD hopefuls. We also compare the MRes path with a direct application for a PhD after your studies, or with a year or two of work experience before applying for a PhD.<o:p></o:p>
date posted: 2025-02-10T08:58:21Z
date modified: 2026-05-18T13:17:01Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: MRes
keywords: PhD Application
keywords: MRes PhD
keywords: Advice for PhD Application
keywords: PhD
type: advice
disciplines: politics
disciplines: economics
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: datascience
disciplines: generaleconomics
disciplines: finance
disciplines: statistics
discipline labels: Politics
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: Data Science
discipline labels: General Economics (JEL A)
discipline labels: Finance
discipline labels: Statistics

Extracurricular activities to help your economics career while at university
type: Article
title: Extracurricular activities to help your economics career while at university
description: Being involved in extracurriculars at university can make your time there more enjoyable by enabling you to meet friends, develop intellectually, and stay fit. You may not have considered it, but relevant hobbies for economists can even be advantages in your career development, too! This article explores some suitable economics hobby ideas that you might find beneficial. Although lots of these suggestions will help you whatever career you decide to pursue, some may be a little more useful specifically for a career in economics. Browse our program listings for economics opportunities 1. Debate team Joining the debate team will give you the chance to practice your oral presentation, argumentation, and critical thinking skills – all of which will be a big asset to you in any economics job search. It's also a great way to practice your public speaking, which can be a helpful advantage in job interviews. The ability to think through a position and support it with facts and logic is incredibly relevant to any research you do, too. On a fundamental level, research is posing a question, and either supporting or detracting from that question using facts and logic – just like debate! In economics research, the facts may need to be taken from a literature review or generated by your own econometric analysis, but the fundamentals are remarkably similar. Debate will also help your communication skills, which are one of the most important soft skills to have, useful in all aspects of life. Being able to communicate your ideas and research effectively, or back up your economics findings in your career, is essential to being successful. 2. Student governance Almost every university will have some kind of students' union or student council which you could join. Doing so shows future employers that you are responsible and engaged with political and practical issues. It also gives you the chance to make real changes to the way that your university is run. Being a part of the students'…
disambiguating description: Attending university can be a ton of fun, but it’s also supposed to prepare you for the next stage in your career. Normally, this involves a lot of studying. But breaks and hobbies are important to have, too.
date posted: 2019-01-22T08:00:00Z
date modified: 2026-06-19T12:05:35Z
language: en
keywords: Activities
keywords: college
keywords: student
keywords: extracurricular activities
keywords: univeristy
keywords: student life
keywords: extra
keywords: Sean McClung
keywords: extracurriculars
type: advice
disciplines: education
disciplines: artarthistory
disciplines: theologyreligeousstudies
disciplines: molecularbiology
disciplines: nursing
disciplines: communicationsdesign
disciplines: music
disciplines: agriculturalsciences
disciplines: softwaredevelopment
disciplines: earthscience
disciplines: chemicalengineering
disciplines: immunology
disciplines: biology
disciplines: law
disciplines: neuroscience
disciplines: history
disciplines: philosophy
disciplines: astronomy
disciplines: humanmedicine
disciplines: mediastudies
disciplines: dieteticsnutrition
disciplines: pharmacy
disciplines: mechanicalengineering
disciplines: dentistry
disciplines: mathematics
disciplines: culturalstudies
disciplines: civilengineering
disciplines: veterinarymedicine
disciplines: literaturecreativewriting
disciplines: genetics
disciplines: psychology
disciplines: dancetheatrefilmstudies
disciplines: publichealth
disciplines: physics
disciplines: archaeology
disciplines: generaleconomics
disciplines: chemistry
disciplines: engineeringbusiness
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: business
disciplines: physiotherapy
disciplines: microbiology
disciplines: biomedicine
disciplines: informatics
disciplines: marketing
disciplines: economics
disciplines: management
disciplines: biochemistry
disciplines: cellbiology
disciplines: sociologyanthropology
discipline labels: Education
discipline labels: Art & Art History
discipline labels: Theology & Religeous Studies
discipline labels: Molecular Biology
discipline labels: Nursing
discipline labels: Communications & Design
discipline labels: Music
discipline labels: Agricultural Science
discipline labels: Software Development
discipline labels: Earth Science
discipline labels: Chemical Engineering
discipline labels: Immunology

What makes a successful economist?
type: Article
title: What makes a successful economist?
description: This quote from the famous economist Keynes raises a number of areas that help us begin to answer the question of how to succeed as an economist. Reading the quote, an economics student may ask: in the modern age, what are the necessary skills one must possess in order to become a “successful” economist? The answer is, of course, hugely subjective. It may also fluctuate as one’s own career goals change. Here, we will identify some of the age-old must-haves – as well as some of the new skills economists ought to acquire in the age of climate change, globalization, and AI. Before we begin: the need for economists The present age is a remarkable time, probably among the most exciting and challenging times ever to enter the field. Many economic models and presumptions of the past are continually showing themselves to be outdated and in need of theoretical improvements. This has much to do with the new challenges facing our generation. Whether it’s in confronting climate deterioration, demographic change, the rise of AI and automation, wealth inequality, or even incorporating basic realism into textbooks, there is room for increasingly advanced economic models that can more accurately account for the complexities of real life. Beyond the need for improved economic models, though, is a societal and political need. In handling many of these emerging challenges – some of which were wrought by an inability to regulate our own activities – the ailing neoliberal orthodoxy has found itself ill equipped. To borrow the words of economist Howard Reed: “until we ditch the old textbook, we’ll never face up to the challenges of the modern world”. So far, there has been little sign of this happening any time soon; as Prospect editor-in-chief Tom Clark has observed of most Western governments, “out-dated frameworks still inform policy prescriptions”. In fact, searching for alternative solutions may partly explain why there’s been a resurgence of nationalist and even fascist sentiment a…
disambiguating description: The following article first appeared in the INOMICS Handbook 2024. Download the INOMICS Handbook “The master-economist must possess a rare combination of gifts. He must reach a high standard in several different directions and must combine talents not often found together. He must be mathematician, historian, statesman, philosopher…He must study the present in the light of the past for the purposes of the future. No part of man's nature or his institutions must lie entirely outside his regard. He must be purposeful and disinterested in a simultaneous mood; as aloof and incorruptible as an artist, yet sometimes as near the earth as a politician.” – John Maynard Keynes
date posted: 2019-09-26T10:28:04Z
date modified: 2026-06-29T14:18:23Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: skills
keywords: INOMICS Handbook
keywords: study advice
keywords: handbook
keywords: economist
keywords: William Pearse
keywords: Sean McClung
keywords: successful
type: advice
disciplines: economics
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: generaleconomics
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: General Economics (JEL A)

Economists Have a Sense of Humor Too: Economics Memes That Will Make You “LOL”
type: Article
title: Economists Have a Sense of Humor Too: Economics Memes That Will Make You “LOL”
description: Now, let's dive into some of the funniest economics memes from the past. These memes have achieved viral status and have been shared and enjoyed by economists and non-economists alike. From witty one-liners to clever visual puns, these memes are guaranteed to make you burst out laughing, or at least chuckle quietly to yourself. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to laugh at the lighter side of economics. 1. For all Adam Smith critics, this one’s for you! The critics and supporters of Adam Smith’s theories have been debating each other for years. However, by using only one meme, critics of the invisible hand have managed to make quite the comeback! Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/economist_memes/ & Image copyright: @the_economy_stupid 2. The importance of keeping up with the latest data For an economist, anything concerning data is no laughing matter. Our data is the air we breathe, it is all we need, and yes, we would even come back to life for the sake of our data. Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/economist_memes/ 3. Turns out the 2008 Financial crisis was not the only major Economic downturn this generation has seen. We all had high hopes of economic recovery after COVID-19, but it seems that Simon had a different opinion… Image credit: Sara Taha 4. Flashbacks of the 2008 Financial Crisis and the good old days. After a first-hand experience of the impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war, and world-record global warming…it seems easy to look back at 2008 and laugh. Image credit: https://www.facebook.com/elasticeconmemes 5. A traumatic experience for business majors Business students all around the world today are still trying to recover from the damage done by economics courses. Not only did these students suffer personally, but their GPAs took a bad hit too. Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/economist_memes/ 6. Economists’ predictions and forecasts Yes, as economists, we are usually very proud when we make predictions that are on …
disambiguating description: Economists are often immersed in the serious and complex world of numbers, charts, and theories. But contrary to popular belief, economists do have a sense of humor too! In fact, there is a whole subculture of economics memes that bring a lighthearted and comical perspective to the field.
date posted: 2024-01-15T16:00:47Z
date modified: 2024-01-15T16:17:53Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: Sara Taha
keywords: Economics memes
keywords: Adam Smith
keywords: economist jokes
type: advice
disciplines: economics
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: generaleconomics
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: General Economics (JEL A)

A gentle introduction to LaTeX for economists
type: Article
title: A gentle introduction to LaTeX for economists
description: Enter LaTeX, a typesetting system that’s been developed for researchers of all stripes to write and neatly print properly formatted mathematical formulae. If you’re able to learn and use it, you’ll be able to write important documents such as your economics thesis or a research paper in no time. While LaTeX isn’t the only option economists have to handle this work, it is a commonly used and freely available option. The most common alternatives include Markdown and plug-ins for Adobe InDesign. That’s right – anyone can get started practicing LaTeX for free, using a popular site called Overleaf. Because the basic version of Overleaf is a free and easy to use LaTeX editor (though paid plans are available for more features and integrations), the rest of this article will assume that the reader is using it. This is a skill that’s great to have for your economics coursework and future career, and not terribly difficult to learn, so let’s dive into some LaTeX basics. Before you start: understanding mathematical symbols The first step to learning LaTeX and writing professional-looking economic formulae is understanding what those formulae are and how they are typically written. We’ve already shared an article that describes many of the commonly used symbols in economics. If you find yourself struggling to read some of the strange symbols presented in economic formulae during lectures or in textbooks, the linked Math Symbols article is a great place to start. Once you’re familiar with the symbols typically used in economic formulae, continue reading! Getting started in LaTeX: the preamble The “preamble” in LaTeX is a section found at the beginning of the document. In Overleaf, this will be at the top of the left-hand side Code Editor section. The preamble is written by the author, and contains important code for setting up the document. This is where you’ll install packages and other functions that you’ll need, as well as set document-wide defaults like margin spacing and fo…
disambiguating description: Economists often run into situations where they need to type out mathematical formulae or draw up a graph, especially for research papers. But, anyone who’s attempted to do so knows that math symbols and complicated graphs are very difficult to produce using typical word processor options. So, what’s a humble econometrician to do?
date posted: 2023-10-02T14:14:39Z
date modified: 2026-06-30T06:53:22Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: econometrics software
keywords: econometrics
keywords: mathematical typesetting
keywords: Sean McClung
keywords: LaTeX
keywords: economics software
type: advice
disciplines: economics
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: generaleconomics
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: General Economics (JEL A)

The GRE is changing: ETS to streamline the test in September 2023
type: Article
title: The GRE is changing: ETS to streamline the test in September 2023
description: As such, many of the most educated people in the world have spent time studying the GRE and taking the test. There’s a plethora of resources to help students study the test’s structure and the materials likely to be on it while they prepare to get the highest score possible. Because of the GRE’s importance in graduate admissions, it’s beneficial for educators, university staff, and prospective graduate students to stay up-to-date with the exam. On that note, a new announcement from ETS – the company that owns and administers the GRE – came out on May 31, 2023 with details on new changes that are coming to the test. GRE being shortened to quicken scoring time and reduce test-taking fatigue ETS is making significant changes to reduce the length of the GRE. Specifically, their press release states that the GRE (which currently takes about 4 hours to complete) “will take less than 2 hours to complete — roughly half the time of the current test”. Notably, this will make it one of the shortest major tests available in university admissions, particularly at the graduate level. This is being done for a few reasons. First, ETS is aiming to “offer candidates a better experience that values their time and reduces anxiety and fatigue”. With stress and anxiety prevalent in our society, this is a welcome change. The second major reason for introducing a shorter test is to provide a faster turnaround on scoring. The new test will reduce scoring time from 10-15 days to 8-10 days. This change will additionally help students complete and submit their graduate applications more quickly. Adjustments to GRE structure to allow for these changes You might be wondering how this new goal will impact the test structure; after all, cutting the time to take the test in half must involve some sort of sacrifice. To that end, ETS has described the actual test structure changes on their website. It appears that they have aimed to “trim the fat” by reducing the size of certain portions and eliminat…
disambiguating description: The Graduate Record Examinations, more commonly known as the GRE, is one of the most important standardized tests in the world for admission to post-Baccalaureate programs. It’s very often required by universities when considering admission into their Master’s or even PhD programs.
date posted: 2023-06-14T13:26:57Z
date modified: 2026-06-30T07:10:10Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: ets
keywords: ets educational testing service
keywords: Sean McClung
keywords: GRE
keywords: Graduate Record Examinations
type: teach
disciplines: economics
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: generaleconomics
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: General Economics (JEL A)

Which Concentration Should You Choose For Your Master's Degree in Economics?
type: Article
title: Which Concentration Should You Choose For Your Master's Degree in Economics?
description: A degree concentration in economics is an area of specialist study within the field of economics which you give particular attention to. Specializing in a particular sub-field can boost your already high employability as an economist even further, and pursuing a concentration is a first step in that direction. To help you decide whether a concentration is right for you – and which one – this article will provide a list of common economics degree concentrations and a brief overview of each. Hopefully, you find one that inspires you! Bear in mind that in certain economics departments, some concentrations may have specific entrance requirements above and beyond the entrance requirements for the economics Master's. Be sure to check the websites of the universities that you’re applying to for more details. Applied Economics Applied Economics, unlike other concentrations on this list, is not truly its own sub-field. Rather, applied economics concentrations teach students to develop and interpret econometric models that can be used to make decisions about specific subject areas – like national and foreign policy, energy strategy, environmental or health economics, etc. As opposed to a more theoretical approach, applied economics is all about the practical application of economic concepts in the real world. Certain institutions might have more of a focus on some of these areas, but not others, depending on their strengths. If you’re very interested in health economics (for example), be sure to search for institutions that offer coursework in health economics specifically. An “Applied Economics” concentration typically requires a solid knowledge of mathematics and the ability to reason about economics, and will appeal to those who want to make concretely useful policy suggestions which are based on economic knowledge. This concentration is a great idea for students who wish to become an industry economist. However, this might not be the best approach for students who are mor…
disambiguating description: If you're planning to study economics at a Master's level, then you may have the opportunity to pursue a concentration, sometimes also referred to as a major. While rarer, some PhD programs may also offer concentrations, though many are already specialized degrees (or require you to have your own research agenda).
date posted: 2017-05-02T16:21:09Z
date modified: 2026-06-30T07:20:00Z
language: en
keywords: master's
keywords: economics concentration
keywords: economics policy
keywords: economics degree
keywords: Sean McClung
keywords: economic history
keywords: behavioral economics
keywords: developmental economics
keywords: concentration
keywords: financial economics
keywords: international development
keywords: economics
keywords: urban economics
keywords: econometrics
keywords: Master's of Economics
keywords: labor economics
keywords: International Economics
keywords: environmental economics
keywords: applied economics
keywords: health economics
type: advice
disciplines: microeconomics
disciplines: internationaleconomics
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A quick guide to math symbols in economics
type: Article
title: A quick guide to math symbols in economics
description: As such, economists need to have some quantitative skills. The more comfortable they are with math and econometrics, the better for their research and career opportunities. But, economists are not mathematicians. So, when students of economics take Bachelor’s or Master’s courses while studying for their economics degree, they might be presented with symbol-heavy lecture notes. Without understanding these symbols, students will probably struggle to read them, leaving their meaning unclear. This article aims to fill that gap. What are the most commonly used math symbols in economics, and what do they mean? Symbols and definitions Math symbols \(\pm\) - this symbol means “plus or minus”. It’s most often used when describing an interval of some sort, such as a confidence interval. \(\preceq\) - this symbol, and others like it, are used often in economics to describe preference relations. Preferences are the building blocks of the demand curve. This symbol is seldom used outside of microeconomics courses that specifically focus on preferences. \(\propto\) - this symbol means that the variable on the left side is proportional to the variable on the right side. \(\sim\) - this symbol means “similar to”. \(\approx\) - this symbol means “approximately”, which means something is almost, but not quite, equal to something else. \(\parallel\) - parallel. In economics, this is used most often in econometrics when describing how things relate to each other geometrically. \(\perp\) - this means perpendicular or “orthogonal”. Perpendicular means two things intersect at a 90 degree angle in geometry. In econometrics, orthogonal means that one variable has zero power to explain another variable, because they have a covariance equal to zero. \(\in\) - this means “in”, that a variable on the left side is contained within a variable, group, or concept on the right side. It can be reversed to mean the opposite. For example, often in economics, a theory will describe which values of x are …
disambiguating description: Studying economic theories and methods requires an understanding of mathematical symbols. These symbols are used as shorthand to describe theoretical concepts in economics textbooks, theories, and research papers.
date posted: 2023-05-15T06:00:00Z
date modified: 2026-06-30T08:09:37Z
employment type: onsite
language: en
keywords: economics math
keywords: mathematical symbols
keywords: economics symbols
keywords: Sean McClung
keywords: math help
keywords: math
keywords: statistics
keywords: statistics symbols
type: advice
disciplines: economics
disciplines: socialscience
disciplines: econometricsstatisticsquantitative
disciplines: generaleconomics
disciplines: statistics
discipline labels: Economics
discipline labels: Economics and Social Sciences
discipline labels: Econometrics, Statistics and Quantitative Methods (JEL C)
discipline labels: General Economics (JEL A)
discipline labels: Statistics