Browse our job listings for economics opportunities University courses on Innovation Economics Naturally, one of the best ways to learn about innovation economics is to study it as part of an academic course. Courses on innovation economics are most often found within economics departments, but they may also be taught in business schools because of the discipline's close links with entrepreneurship. You can see examples of some courses at highly regarded universities which specialise in innovation economics below: Econ 410b. The Economics of Innovation - Undergraduate course, Yale University, US Economics of Innovation - Undergraduate course, Nottingham University Business School, UK Economics of innovation - Master's course, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland LUBS2665 Economics of Innovation - “Broadening” module for undergraduate students, University of Leeds, UK Upcoming conference on Innovation Economics If you are more advanced in your career – for example, if you are a PhD student or postdoc with an interest in this field, then you might consider attending a conference. The biggest conference in the field is the annual “Conference on Innovation Economics”, an international conference. Obviously during the pandemic this may be difficult, but at some point the conference will begin again. Thirteenth Annual Conference on Innovation Economics Academic journals on Innovation Economics For senior researchers who need to know about the latest research, or for students who are trying to learn about the field, academic journals can be of great help, keeping you up to date with the latest findings in the field. Here are two journals which specialise in innovation economics: Economics of Innovation and New Technology Published by Taylor & Francis, this journal is “devoted to the theoretical and empirical analysis of the determinants and effects of innovation, new technology and technological knowledge. It aims to provide a bridge between different strands of literature and different contributions of economic theory and empirical economics.” Innovations – Journal Of Innovation Economics & Management (I-JIEM) Co-edited by the Research Network on Innovation (RRI) and De Boeck Université, this journal is focused on “discussion of new innovation strategies of firms and organization which have an impact on the economy and society.” Blogs on Innovation Economics For a more casual but very up-to-date read, you might want to check out blogs like the one below. This is written by a professor of innovation economics at UCL. Blog of Mariana Massucato, Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London (UCL) Books on Innovation Economics Finally, the best way for a newcomer to the field to get a really good handle on it is to read a book on it. There will be plenty of in-depth information to give you an overview of the subject and to fill in any gaps in your understanding. Try either of the books below: Handbook of the Economics of Innovation Published by Elsevier and edited by Bronwyn H. Hall and Nathan Rosenberg, this book promises to 'examine the genesis of technological change and the ways we commercialize and diffuse it. Innovation Economics: The Race for Global Advantage Published by Yale University Press, and authored by Robert D. Atkinson and Stephen J. Ezell, this books discusses the global race for innovation advantage, suggesting that America has some catching up to do.
Innovation Economics is a branch of economics that focuses on (rather predictably) innovation, alongside the study of technology, knowledge, and entrepreneurship. It aims to understand where new ideas come from, and how we can put forward policies which will encourage the development of new ways of thinking. As many nations move away from an industrial model of production and towards a knowledge-based economy, the economics of innovation becomes more and more relevant. Although it is a fairly new field, innovation economics has risen to prominence quickly over the last few years. The following is a list of links and resources to help teach you and keep you up to date on all the latest developments in innovation economics.
Check out more of our study advice here 1. Preparation The best way to prepare for an oral exam is the same way that you would prepare for a written exam or a presentation – be truly comfortable with your material. This doesn't mean that you need to memorise every single possible relevant fact – in fact, specific factual knowledge is less important that a solid overall understanding of the topic. To show that you're really confident with the material, it's good practice to read up on arguments both for an against any particular position or issue which you might have to discuss. Then when you're asked about an issue, you can mention that this is one way of looking at it, but this contrary position raises good points too. This will show that you have a nuanced understanding and aren't single-minded in your focus on one approach. Remember that no one is expecting you to have simple answers to the deep and complicated problems in your field, rather, the examiners are looking for indications that you understand the scope of these problems and are capable of thinking about them and discussing them in an academically mature way. 2. Controlling your nerves It's inevitable that you'll feel nervous before the exam, but there are ways to deal with this. Firstly, avoid coffee or other caffeinated drinks for a few hours before the exam, and switch to drinking water instead – the last thing you need when you're nervous is a ton of extra energy making you even more jumpy! Another good tip is to get yourself outside and engaging in some light physical activity before the exam – so arrive 20 minutes early, and spend 15 minutes walking around the block. Also, if there are other exam candidates waiting around, go and chat to them and make an effort to be positive and friendly. These people aren't your competition, they're your peers, and having someone to smile at you and wish you luck before you go into the exam can be a surprisingly big comfort. 3. Dealing with the examiners' questions During the exam, if you're unsure about the question being asked, you can absolutely ask for clarification. Academics have a tendency to sometimes talk at length, including when they are acting as examiners, so it can be hard to grasp the key element of what they're asking you. If possible, try to frame your request for clarification as a choice between two or more options, such as “Do you mean that you would like to hear more about the general statistical methods which I used, or about the specific statistical software that I worked with?” This shows that you have understood the general theme of what the examiners are interested in but are tailoring your answers to give them the most helpful information for them. Finally, remember that you can take your time to answer a question during the oral examination process. When an examiner asks you a question, you may well feel as if you have to respond right this very second, and start talking before you have finished thinking the question through. Resist this impulse! It's absolutely a good idea to take a deep breath, and take a few seconds to think before you start speaking. This will feel like a long time to you because of the pressure that you're under, but it won't appear so long to the examiners. 4. General presentation tips In such a high-pressure environment as an oral exam, you will naturally want to convey the scope of your knowledge, and you may be tempted to speak very fast, or talk about everything you know which might possibly be related to the question you were asked. However, going too quickly or giving too much information actually harms your performance, as the examiners will find it hard to extract the relevant information from your answers. Keep your answers to a few sentences of only the most applicable information, knowing that examiners will ask for further details if they require them. Speak in even, measured tones and make yourself slow down to ensure that everyone can follow what you're saying. If you're concerned about this, you can set up a practice exam with a friend and ask for their feedback, or even video record yourself so that you can watch back your own performance and adjust your style as required.
So you've coming up to exam season? Maybe you've already sat your written exams, and the only one left is the oral. Oral exams can be an daunting experience for students, so today we're sharing some advice on how to get through an oral exam with as little pain as possible.
How to Survive Your Economics PhD Thesis Defense
Preparation before your defense The best way to get comfortable with your defense is to practise your presentation plenty of times. If you can, find a large room which is similar to the room you'll use, and practise presenting to your friends or colleagues. Run through your entire presentation, including slides and questions at the end, and familiarise yourself with the format. It can also be helpful to watch other people's defenses so you know what to expect. Attend a few defenses in your department to get a feel for the atmosphere and style which is appropriate. Remember to check in with your supervisor and thesis committee in the weeks before the defense, and find out if there are any particular concerns that they have or issues which they want you to address. Also talk to the admin staff and find out the details about which room you will be presenting in, what computer or audiovisual equipment is available, and how many people are likely to attend. Either on the day of your defense or a few days before, go to the room in which you'll present and check that you can load and display your slides. Pay particular attention to whether your images, tables, and graphs are displayed correctly. <11an>limit:3;categories:Postdoc;disciplines:Economics</11an> Presenting your defense You want your presentation to be smooth and well-practised, but not to be robotic. Don't try to memorise your presentation exactly, and definitely don't read straight from notes, but rather let yourself talk in a natural and conversational way, and use flashcards rather than a script. People tend to talk faster when they're nervous, so take a deep breath and try to slow yourself down while you're presenting. When you practise, be sure to time yourself, and make sure you're not too far over or under your time limit. It will be helpful for both you and your audience if your slides are minimalist, with not too much text on them. Have a few key points on each slide which you can look at to remind you of your topics, and which the audience can refer to for a basic outline – but don't fill your slides up with paragraphs of tiny text! Put numbers on your slides, and have an outline slide where you describe the structure of the upcoming presentation – this will help the audience to follow along. Bring along paper copies of your slides to give to your committee, so that they can easily refer to any slide if they need to. To really impress with your presentation, you can cut your material down to the bare essentials, and put all of your extra materials in appendix slides. If someone asks a question about specific data or ideas which you didn't have time to cover in your presentation, you can refer them to the relevant appendix slide. Dress smartly but comfortably – it's appropriate to wear a suit if you have one. If not, then smart trousers, an ironed shirt in a plain colour, and flat shoes are always a good choice. If you find yourself flapping your hands nervously, then grab a laser pointer, flashcards, or use a podium so you have something to do with your hands while you present. Dealing with questions The part of the defense which makes most people nervous is having to answer questions from the thesis committee and others after the presentation. The committee may ask probing or difficult questions, but they are not trying to fail you: they're just making sure you know your material. The most important thing to remember is that it's okay to say that you don't know the answer to a question! You can speculate about an answer, as long as it's clear that's what you're doing - for example, 'I haven't looked into whether this effect appears cross-culturally, but I would speculate that...' You can also talk about how you would address that issue in future research. Finally, people can sometimes ramble a bit while asking questions, so you can ask for clarification or repetition of a question if you didn't understand it. We wish you good luck with your thesis defense! Survived your defence? Check out postdoc job listings Header image credit: greymatters on Pixabay (free for use under the Pixabay Content License)
Once you've handed in your thesis, you still have one big challenge to overcome before you're finished with your PhD: the thesis defense. This is an opportunity for you to present your research publicly and to answer questions about it from your thesis committee. The process can be tough going, especially if you've never had to do anything like this before. That being said, there are a few ways to make sure you survive – and even perform very well in – your thesis defense.
MBA and PhD programs have the potential to transform your career. A PhD allows you to become a professor and pursue a lifetime of research while an MBA can open up job opportunities at the top of business and drastically increase your salary expectations. No wonder it’s a difficult decision for many people. INOMICS as the leading career website for economists wants to help you make the right decision. Therefore, we are going to run through the key factors in this decision: career direction, requirements and cost. For a quick overview check out our video on just this topic! Requirements Most Master of Business Administration programs require that you have at least two years of work experience. PhD programs meanwhile normally require that you have already attained a master’s degree or have an exceptional bachelor transcript. Obviously, your academic past will shape your choice between a doctorate and an MBA. A good tip is to read some actual MBA and PhD program overviews and their requirements. Transform a theoretical question into a practical choice. You can find hundreds or the latest MBA and PhD course right here on the INOMICS website. <11an>limit:3;categories:PhD Programs;disciplines:Economics</11an> Career Direction The key question is what ultimate career direction do you want to go in? Ask yourself this question, would you like to end up working in academia or as a researcher? If the answer is yes, then you should start by looking at PhDs. A doctorate is a pre-requisite for nearly all academic jobs. If no, then an MBA or another career training opportunity will be the better choice. Taking a PhD can be a demanding process. It takes years of hard work with little immediate financial reward. You need to love doing research and have a genuine interest in what you are studying. If you are looking at a PhD purely in terms of future salary maximisation then best look elsewhere. There are a number of pros and cons to a career in research. But there is more to life than amassing every last dollar, right? Harder to quantify factors such as job satisfaction and independence are often cited as pros of taking an academic route. Also, bear in mind your preference can change overtime. There are job opportunities outside of academia where having a PhD is a plus. Our advice is simply that if your end goal is to work outside academia then a PhD is typically not the best route to take. MBA programs are designed specifically to teach you about how businesses work and set you up to thrive at the top level of business. They are focused on practical skills and knowledge and often involve group work to mimic the cooperation required by many businesses. On a reputable MBA program, the networking with other students and alumni can often be more important for opening up new and well-paid career paths than the teaching itself. If your goal is to work at the top end of the business world then an MBA is the better choice. Cost MBA programs are normally very expensive, however. Unlike most PhD programs where funding is often provided, there are few scholarships or funding options available for MBA's aside from expensive private loans. An MBA should be viewed as an investment. How risky that investment is depends on the quality of the MBA program. Check out the quality of the school and the career prospects of graduates before proceeding. Both MBA and PhD programs involve a degree of risk. Either financial, in time or both. Remember, you might be able to reach your career goal without committing years of your life and potentially loads of cash on an MBA or PhD. There are always additional courses to improve your prospects in a career in economics. Make sure you consider other routes before committing to either a PhD or MBA. If you plan to start your PhD application this autumn, download our free guide "How to successfully apply to a PhD in Economics" Browse our PhD program listings for economics Browse our MBA program listings
Every year thousands of economics students decide to continue education, either straight away after graduation or after a year or two of “real world” work experience. Often at this point comes the question: should I pursue a PhD or enroll in a Master of Business Administration program?
The Best Free Online Macroeconomics Courses
We understand how difficult it’s been in these last months, the fear, frustration, and now, more recently, the boredom. Many have picked up new hobbies to pass the time, some have started learning a new language, and others, even, have experimented with exercise... As admirable as these endeavours are, a trick is still being missed. For what better way could there be to emerge from all of this madness than with a better grasp of... macroeconomics. Yes, there is none. You’re in luck, too. For there are countless opportunities to do this online, oftentimes for free! Can anyone really say they don’t need a little revision on the functions of GDP, the fluctuations of inflation, or the factors informing unemployment rates?! We thought not. So without further ado, here are our best picks of all that's out there: 1. Macroeconomic Diagnostics (edX) Hosted by the IMF, this course will teach you to assess a country’s macroeconomic situation using practical tools integral to day-to-day macroeconomic analysis. Throughout the 6 weeks of the course, you will learn how to analyze potential output, identify expenditure composition of growth, measure inflation, and assess sources of inflation. You will also gain a grasp of monetary and fiscal policy, develop an understanding of public and external debt sustainability, and learn how to assess the medium-term prospects of any given economy. It’s pretty all encompassing, and best of all it’s free! 2. Macroeconomics for a Sustainable Planet (edX) Run by the prestigious SDG Academy, this course focuses on the potential earth-saving question: is it really possible to develop a thriving global economy in a fair and environmentally-resilient way? At 13 weeks in length, and thus slightly longer than others in the list, the course also manages to squeeze in scrutiny of GDP, assessment of sustainable investment strategies, and takes a look at the rapidly changing labor market. We could not recommend it highly enough. 3. International Macroeconomics (edX) Let the University of Queensland lead you through an exploration of all the fundamentals of contemporary international macroeconomy, including the study of trade, exchange rate systems, international financial policy and open macroeconomy. At just 6 weeks, this course is not just for the economist, but also the layman, and will deliver a great level of understanding on the international economy, in addition to trade balance and exchange for anyone ‘curious about global economic behaviour and what influences it’. 4. Principles of Economics: Macroeconomics (classcentral) In 8 hours of material, this free macroeconomics course explores the economic way of thinking, and the role incentives play in our lives. It also seeks to answer big questions like: why do some countries grow rich while others remain poor? What role does a country's banking system play in its economic policy? Big questions to one side, it also covers important topics like the function of the Federal Reserve, also known as ‘the fed’, monetary policy, fiscal policy, the Solow Growth Model, and the ‘economics of ideas’. 5. Macroeconomic Forecasting (edX) Another course hosted by the IMF, here you’ll learn how to create and assess forecasting models to predict macroeconomic variables such as inflation and economic growth. Over the course of its 9 week duration this macroeconomics course will familiarise you with macroeconomic variables such as inflation, growth and consumption, while instructing you how to create statistical models in economics and then how to apply them to policy. 6. Strategic Business Management - Macroeconomics (Coursera) Delivered by the University of California, this course is for anyone interested in exploring the strategic components of applied economics combining business strategy with the principles of macroeconomics. It equips its participants with a powerful analytical toolbox with which to assess the major functions of business, management, statistics, and, of course, business strategy. 11 weeks in length, if you want to ‘expand your skills at the interface of strategy and business management’ this is the course for you.
With university life still suffering major disruptions and COVID fatigue reaching new heights, we at INOMICS felt it time for the latest instalment in our ‘online course’ series.
Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics (JEL E)
5 Top Tips For Students Dealing With Short Answer or Multiple Choice Exams
1. Focus on the details Unlike in essay exams - where one shouldn't stress about the details but rather focus on the big picture - short essay or multiple choice tests are all about the details. You need to be able to remember the facts which have been taught in the course over the semester, and to be able to explain these facts in a couple of sentences. For this reason, focus your revision on remembering key facts. 2. Use techniques to help you memorise information If you're having trouble memorising facts and figures, first try writing out the information by hand several times. Often you'll find that just the act of copying the information down several times will be enough to lodge it securely in your head. But if that's not working, and you have a lot of tricky information such as dates or chemical formulae to remember, try flashcards. Take a stack of postcard-sized piece of paper, and write down one fact to be remembered on each sheet. Then either use these cards to test yourself, or put them around your room, or house, so you see them regularly. Do this in the weeks leading up to your big day and remembering should not be a problem. 3. Don't overthink your answers When it comes to multiple choice exams in particular, the questions can sometimes be written tricky, vague(ish) way. Sometimes you have to select the “one correct answer” from four possible answers, all of which sound at least a little true. In this instance, it may tempting to select multiple answers, or to write information in the margins which explains your choice. Do not do this! Multiple choice tests are often marked automatically by a computer, or by someone without any experience in the area in question. So if you write extra information, it probably won't even get read, and you may even lose marks for not answering the question “correctly”. So how do you cope with an ambiguous question? The best technique to not overthink your answer. If there is one answer that seems obvious, and the other answers are arguably somewhat true, then select the obvious answer and move on. Unless the question says otherwise, always choose one and only one answer in a multiple choice test. Try to imagine what the person who wrote the question is expecting the answer to be, and give that answer. 4. Plan your time You might think multiple choice are quick to answer, and thus you don't need to plan your time in such an exam. Think again. Sure, the actual writing of the answers can be done very quickly, but you still need time to sit and think about each question before you answer it. When you first see the exam, take time to quickly skim over it. Count how many questions there are, and how much time you have. Divide your time by the number of questions to see roughly how long you should spend on each question. Also, don't forget to leave 5 to 10 minutes at the end to give your work a final check. 5. Skip over questions which are giving you problems If there's a question which you don't understand or don't know the answer too, think about skipping over it and coming back to it later. If you don't immediately know the answer, that's okay, no need to panic! Sometimes moving on to other questions will help to jog your memory, or give you context which could help you to answer the question that you were stuck on. You don't want to waste a lot of time on one question, so keep going and then come back to the questions you were struggling with at the end. Good luck with your exams!
No need to stress about your university exams – INOMICS is here to help! (Well, stress a little bit, that's healthy and can serve as motivation, but no need to freak out). Having already dispensed advice on facing down essay exams, this article turns to two other university exam formats – short answer questions and multiple choice tests. These kind of exams require a different sort of preparation from essay or oral exams, preparation that the following will take you through.
Once again, all courses listed here are available in English and range from beginner to advanced levels in terms of difficulty. While some are open tutorials available at any time of the year, others have opening and closing dates for participation. During these bizarre times of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, these courses are a great way to stay at the top of your academic game. Check out our full range of online courses 1. Introduction to Mathematical Thinking Course provider: Coursera Duration: 40 hours Skill level: Intermediate 2. Introduction to Calculus Course provider: Coursera Duration: 51 hours Skill level: Intermediate 3. Mathematics for Data Science Specialization Course provider: Coursera Duration: 6 months, 4 hours a week Skill level: Beginner 4. Mathematics for Machine Learning Specialization Course provider: Coursera Duration: 4 months, 4 hours a week. Skill level: Beginner 5. Introduction to Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science Specialization Course provider: Coursera Duration: 6 months, 5 hours a week Skill level: Beginner 6. Intro to Statistics Course provider: Udacity Duration: 2 months Skill level: Beginner 7. Differential Equations in Action Course provider: Udacity Duration: 2 months Skill level: Intermediate 8. Intro to Descriptive Statistics Course provider: Udacity Duration: 2 months Skill level: Beginner
Given the excellent feedback we received from our audience on an earlier blog post that compiled a list of free econometrics courses online, we have now prepared for you a list of free online courses (MOOC format) that you can take in the discipline of mathematics. Like econometrics, proficiency in math is a prerequisite for performing well in economics courses at all reputable universities around the world. The knowledge required may range from high school algebra and differential equations to understanding the basics of logic and analysis of algorithms.
Econometrics, Statistics and Quantitative Methods (JEL C)
The Best Online Microeconomics Courses for Beginners
Our support, we promise, is, and will forever be, unfaltering - we recognise how tough things currently are. University life is in flux, campuses are mostly shut, and there’s little idea when, if ever, things will return to their pre-COVID ways - that is for those whose memories extend that far. Life is characterised by zoom calls, lagging voices and frozen faces, of cursing your internet connection and being proud that you’re yet to trash your misbehaving laptop. Stuck at home, though, it’s also the perfect time (we think at least) to get started with some microeconomics. For one positive thing the pandemic has done is fast forward us to a future where online courses are ten a penny. With so many to choose from, finding the right one isn’t easy, so to make your life easier INOMICS has compiled a list of the best beginner courses out there. Some of them don’t cost a thing! 1. Economics: Mastering Microeconomics 101 by Udemy Described as the ‘comprehensive study aid for anyone studying economics’, this course does exactly what it says on the tin, covering the key foundational concepts of microeconomics, and giving those enrolled all they need to go on and take more advanced courses. The only requirement is an understanding of straight line graphs and basic arithmetic, meaning pretty much anybody can take part. The 9 hour course can be accessed for just €12.99. 2. Microeconomics by Khan Academy The Khan Academy has long been one of the most trusted online learning institutions the internet has to offer, so quality here is pretty much guaranteed. In terms of content, this is a beginners course that will introduce you to microeconomic basics, including factor markets, market failure and the role of government, consumer theory and elasticity. And the best thing of all, it’s free. 3. Microeconomics Principles by the University of Illinois In just 23 hours of learning, the professors of the University of Illinois will teach you all you need to know about the main principles of microeconomics. At its core, the course attempts to debunk the myth that economics is only about money, and to that end, it covers areas as disparate as the environment, love, crime, business, and sport. On completion, you’ll come to realise how versatile economic methods can be, and that, with the right implementation, they can be applied to pretty much anything! The generous people at Illinois are offering the course for free, too. 4. Microeconomics: The Power of Markets by the University of Pennsylvania Also free, continuing something of a trend, this course looks specifically at microeconomics theory of markets, asking why we have them, how they work, and exactly what they accomplish. It makes a point of taking examples from everyday life, and theory is always applied to current policy debates to ensure a feeling of relevance. No previous experience is required for this 9 hour course, and it’s first come first serve. 5. The Power of Microeconomics: Economic Principles in the Real World by UCI In this course, you will learn about - surprise, surprise - all the major principles of microeconomics that are typically taught to economics undergraduates or MBA students in their first semester. Once again, there’s an emphasis on applying these principles to real world situations, not just in your professional life, but your personal life too - which adds an interesting twist. The course is approximately 20 hours long. 6. Microeconomics by MIT This beginner-level certification is designed to familiarise you with (can anyone guess?) the core fundamentals of microeconomics. Real-world models are used to identify and describe real-life behavior, and the decisions of consumers and firms. And this focus runs through the course, an attempt to make theory applicable to real life. Offered by MIT, this certification is an excellent place to take the first step in the field of microeconomics. And like all courses offered by MIT you can expect a high level of teaching. The workload is 3-4 hours per week, and the course lasts 12 weeks. 7. Strategic Business Management - Microeconomics by UCI In a slight divergence from the above, this course combines business strategy with the principles of microeconomics. Drawing on lessons from business, management, finance, operations management, marketing, statistics, and, of course, business strategy, the course is diverse, to say the least. It typically takes around 24 hours to complete, and is open to all, no matter what academic background.
Microeconomics is the study of what economic actors - be they people, firms, or whole industries - do when confronted with choice, and how this affects the distribution of resources. It’s fascinatingly revealing but can be frustratingly complex. And regardless of which direction your economics career takes, it’s likely that, at some point, it will have to be mastered. But that’s fine, INOMICS is here.
How to Choose an Online Course or Degree
What you need to consider You may be asking yourself how to decide which course will you study? Well, first off think about the subjects that you liked in school, about your hobbies, and what may help you in your career development. And remember, an online degree can not just help you brush up skills you gained in the past, but could also provide you with accreditation for what you have learnt through work experience. If you are already focused on economics, as many INOMICS users are, an online course could be an opportunity to study a complementary minor subject such as: sociology, anthropology, finance, business administration of environmental sustainability. Increasingly, higher education is becoming interdisciplinary, and online options are a great way to keep up with this trend. You could merge your economics interest with psychology, perhaps, taking you in a behavioural economics direction. The options are almost endless! Course quality online can, and often is, as good as on campus. With that said, check that the degree programme offers teaching from the same faculty staff and offers the same credentials as with a campus taught degree or course. Investigate the reputation for your prospective institutions. Read user reviews if available, and look out for accreditation for the course and institution. In the same vein, checking that employers recognise the qualification you are about to enrol upon is also a smart move. Subscribe to get updates on online learning options for economists Admission requirements and application fees/course fees/tuition fees will likely be necessary for any degree and course online. Financial aid is sometimes available too. Check these things over thoroughly before signing up. If you shop around you can even find many countries (especially in Europe) offering degrees without fees. Although it sounds simple, ensure that the schedule of the online course fits around your life. It’s pointless signing up for a course which timetables an online seminar or lecture for the time when you have a job, or other engagements planned. Workplaces may consider a small rescheduling of your working hours if you can justify the change, but don’t bank on it!. Thankfully, many courses provide the opportunity to pick from a range of class hours that fit around your daily routine. The real benefit of online learning is exactly this kind of flexibility! Also vital is that you make sure the virtual classroom tools that are used are sufficient. Universities know that students want to know what it is like to learn online and may sometimes offer taster sessions. And it makes sense:Learning is never passive, especially not in an online environment. For this reason, when you search for your course, find out what technology the institution is using, and if their online tools allow enough access to content, collaboration, engagement and real-time interaction to enhance your understanding of concepts learned. You may have to work within your own technical limitations, but some institutions offer financial aid (yes, it does exist!) for buying technology (i.e. a new laptop) to handle that weekly Zoom or Cisco call with 50 people. Try and research all possibilities to make sure the learning platforms are usable. And lastly, asking questions is paramount in any search for a degree or course, whether online or otherwise. If you need to ask for help, have any questions, or are just a bit lost - that's completely fine - lots of prospective students feel uncertain when embarking on an online course. Higher education institutions always have contact emails and numbers for student services which will help you, and it’s worth keeping an eye out for any specific online student services that may also be available. And don’t forget, you can always come to INOMICS for help, too!
INOMICS has seen a surge in demand for online courses recently, with far more students searching for higher education alternatives. With the effects of COVID-19 ongoing, and many institutions still closed, enrolling in a fully online program or online degree has clearly become the best way to continue self-improvement and career development. Institutions offer a variety of online degree programmes and massive open online courses (MOOCs), which often have less expensive tuition fees. Additionally, you will save money by not having to commute to a campus. Distance learning can improve your technical skills too, as you navigate new learning management systems. Before you choose a course, though, there are a few things you need to consider. Here INOMICS’ walks you through the basics!
MBA or Specialized Master’s Degree: Which One is Best for You?
There are several key differences between an MBA and M.S. degree. The one you choose depends on your career goals, experience, finances and more. Focus MBA programs are more all-encompassing. They are meant for students looking to gain functional knowledge across all aspects of business. A specialized master’s program is exactly that — it focuses on a specific area of business and provides a deep and precise knowledge of that subject. Program The programs can differ in length and requirements. MBA students often enter business school after a few years of experience in the workforce. They’re looking to take their career to the next level, and will have to spend an average of two years to earn their business degree. M.S. programs can be shorter, sometimes just one year, and usually accept students with little work experience. M.S. programs provide an accelerated way to gain the depth of knowledge required to secure a position within the specialization. Cost An MBA can cost more to attain, but it can also provide a higher ROI. Companies will pay top dollar for an experienced professional who carries a broad range of business knowledge — base salaries can be more than $60,000 higher for MBA graduates at some consulting firms, for example. While a specialized master’s program also provides great returns, it is often a more affordable route to career success. How do I decide? If your career track requires an overall business knowledge, you’ll want an MBA. If you are certain of your job interest and would like to become an expert in that particular field, a specialized degree could be your best bet. Ultimately, it’s about envisioning where you see your career path leading and which route will provide the best boost to get you there. Talk to schools, do your research, be true to yourself and know your future is full of potential either way. Admissions Tests It is likely that the programs and/or schools you are considering require an admissions test as part of your overall application. GRE® scores, or scores from other tests provide one of the only common, objective measures that admissions officers can use to compare applicants from varied educational backgrounds and confirm your readiness for graduate-level course work. As an added bonus, some schools also consider test scores when awarding scholarships and assistantships. During this uncertain time, the GRE® General Test offers another important option – you can take it from the safety and comfort of your own home. It’s the only admissions test that is the same no matter where you take it, offering the same content, format, length and on-screen experience as tests administered in a test center. And the price and score reporting options remain the same as tests taken in traditional centers. Testing at home also allows you to use the same test taker-friendly options that allow you to skip questions, go back and change answers within a section and use an on-screen calculator. Learn more about taking the GRE® General Test at home The GRE® General Test is the only admissions test that can be used to apply to a range of master’s, MBA, specialized master’s in business, J.D. and doctoral programs at top-ranked schools worldwide. So, which test to take is a clear choice. To learn more about taking the GRE® General Test at home, visit https://ets.org/gre/at-home.
When you think business school, you probably think MBA. A Master’s of Business Administration has long been a coveted — and often essential — qualification for business professionals. In recent years, however, the tide has begun to quietly shift, with more business school students than ever pursuing master’s degrees in specialized fields such as accounting, economics and business analytics.
Picture the scenario. You begin the day rolling out of bed in the afternoon, throwing on some casualwear, saying to yourself “today I will finish that, read this and write up this”. Three hours later, however, what has happened? Social media is updated with your latest thoughts, the coffee cup has been refilled twice, and the dusty bookshelf has been reorganised colour coded. Staring out the window with an empty notebook, you ask yourself, ‘where did I go wrong’? Don’t worry - we’ve all been there. Follow this step by step guide, and you’ll be a star study-at-home student in no time! Check out our Advice section for more helpful tips for economists 1. Start good routines It’s super important to set yourself a time to wake up, eat a healthy breakfast and start to study. It’s tempting to wear pyjamas all day if you’re not leaving the house for anything except to pick up emergency Oreos. But you’ll feel much better if you take care of yourself with a normal clean-cut routine at home. Shower, get dressed, brush your hair and you’ll feel a million times more motivated every day. Easy. Studying from home also gives you the opportunity to work whenever you want. Every student has their own peak time when they concentrate best. Some people are night owls, while most are early birds. Make the routine work for you, pick when you are most productive, and work when your brain is most alert, so that you’re able to process and retain the information you are studying. 2. Study space The bed is not the best option. It may beckon you with comfy pillows, but rest assured, it never works out. Reading flashcards from the duvet isn’t going to associate the space with the right activity. Sitting at a table in a good chair can make or break your productivity. How can you stay focused on that tough statistics problem if you’re distracted by your aching back? Working in bed promotes bad posture, which not only decreases concentration but can also give you back pain in the long term. Pick a good study space away from the bed and other distractions wherever possible. It’s okay to use the kitchen even. Just beware of the snack attacks! Try to study on a surface that is not used for mealtimes too, even if it’s the other end of the dining room table (to associate it with being a workstation, and keep the activities separate to maintain focus). 3. Order from chaos Having a tidy work area helps to stop procrastination. Think about it: it makes sense. Tidying is never enjoyable, and if your mess is interrupting you completing your study, it’s hard to be motivated. The more time you take to find your favourite highlighter, the more time it will take you to finish your work. Study smart. Keep things organised and use folders. You might have a lot of chaotic notes too, so to help, only put out the things you need for the subject you are studying that day. Removing distractions can be as easy as making your study space a tech-free zone. Turn off your phone or block all notifications, because as we all know, spending three hours on TikTok and Insta is not getting you closer to academic success. Successful economists motivate themselves, and great students will push themselves to engage with the study programme and complete as best as they can their assignments. 4. What to take from a study session Being productive is hard in a low-pressure working environment without teachers to explain things to you. Give yourself and your study time direction by setting attainable goals. Some people work best by asking questions before, during and after a session, such as: What am I about to learn, and how does it fit into the bigger picture? Are there key words or ideas I need to note down? Why are these important? What do I need to review in more depth next time? Sometimes, explaining to a friend or family member what you’ve just learnt is the best way to show you’ve understood a concept clearly. If no one is around to talk (or video call), setting yourself the task to put pen to paper and paraphrase the things you’ve just read is useful too. 5. The mental block When your mind is completely uninspired, it can be hard to see how to make progress with your studies. Some people swear by the lava lamp, Rubik’s Cube, stress ball or fish tank. Another idea is to find short podcasts that are relevant to your topic. They can help re-centre the mind, and allow you to get back on to things like crunching economic historiography. Taking breaks is not a sin, but you need to be brutal in the timings and make sure you study too. As INOMICS has previously discussed, excessive screen use from social media can prompt feelings of anxiety and agitation, so moderation is key, and we recommend taking it away from your study time entirely. What is infinitely better for your learning, and to combat depression as a result of too much isolation, is to video call your classmates or teacher, to discuss the topics you’re struggling with, and share your thoughts when you know your knowledge is stronger. Regular communication with your peers while studying from home boosts morale. Also, when we are inside more, in darkened areas, our melatonin levels are higher. This is the chemical in our body that makes us sleepy. So, try to work as close to natural light as possible! Working near a window or in a light space will preserve your sanity, as seeing the outside world a little will keep your body more awake! Got any more tips for studying at home during the corona pandemic? Email our editor at jamesa@11academianetworks.com. Image credit: My Gre Exam Preparation
With the coronavirus making studying from home the new norm, it’s imperative we look beyond the frustrations of no longer having face-to-face contact and find a routine to keep our brains alert, and educational progress on track. Yes, it’s a difficult time, but INOMICS is here to help.
INOMICS unveils its A-Z of economics terms
But there’s always more we can do, and we felt the time was ripe to expand our help section to try and give even more value to young economists who are just starting out in the game. So without further ado, we’re proud to unveil our new A-Z of economics terms. Our A-Z is simple - we have professional economists write accessible but in-depth overviews of some of the most important economic terms that you will need for your studies. Starting out, we are focusing on microeconomics terms, but soon we will be expanding to macroeconomics, environmental economics, and every other type of economics you can think of. They aim to offer an insight into exactly what the term means, put it into context to make it easy to understand, and give a brief insight into where the term has been used and where you can find more academic information on the concept. First, head to inomics.com and take a glance at our header navigation. Hover your mouse of the section ‘Insights’ and you’ll see a drop down menu with the option listed ‘Economics Terms A-Z’. Give that a click and you’ll be taken to our list of all economic terms, handily listed by the first letter of the term, making it easier to find exactly what it is you’re looking for. And if you go further and click on an actual term, you’ll be able to see all the information about that term, including links through to any related definitions which we think help explain certain concepts which have been referred to. Let’s have a look at one example, adverse selection (long picture incoming): As you can see, this definition of adverse selection includes a brief, one or two sentence definition at the top, followed by a longer, more in depth definition with examples. Then some further reading is recommended which can help to expand your knowledge even more, and finally, a ‘Good to Know’ section which offers tips on how to avoid common potholes when using a term and explains some of the more tricky aspects a definition may have. Right at the bottom of the page we recommend some related terms which may be useful knowing. Watch out, too, for some of INOMICS' very own video explanations which will be appearing with some of the definitions in the coming weeks! So there you have it! INOMICS’ new Economic Terms A-Z is a godsend for anyone currently studying their economics degree and needs an accessible but thorough overview of tricky economics terms. Written by professional economists with experience at doing stuff like that, it’s a great addition to our Advice section, which offers economists tips in their studies and jobs. Confusing term getting you down? Head to INOMICS for an explanation!
Here at INOMICS, we’ve always been dedicated to trying to help you, the economist (fledgling or otherwise) get the most out of your education and career. Whether that be offering you the best new courses and conferences, nudging you towards the perfect university degree, or helping you apply to jobs once you’re done studying, we’re there to give advice and present opportunities you may not have otherwise found.
Download the INOMICS Handbook! Communication At the top of every list of essential soft skills seems to be communication. Effective communication doesn’t just mean being able to talk to another person as though they are a human being (although this is obviously useful on a day-to-day basis) – it also means being able to adapt your communication style to different people based on their seniority, age and relationship to you. It means having the ability to adapt your presentation skills, according to whether you’re talking to five people in a thesis workshop or five hundred at a conference. It means being able to write a pithy research proposal for your PhD thesis, slog out a decent essay introduction that remains concise and yet easy to understand, or compress your ideas into a couple of sentences to efficiently get across exactly what it is you do, want, or need. It also means shutting up and listening to someone else speak in order to learn and grow. This last part includes emotional intelligence, something very important for effective communication. If you can’t empathise with people, it’s impossible to communicate effectively with them. Communication skills will help you in every aspect of your life, from forming new relationships with people (this doesn’t necessarily mean friendship, but rather contacts; an essential part of networking is communication) to listening to what others have to say even when you disagree with their opinions. So how to improve these communication skills? A good way is to surround yourself with people you know are good at communicating – whether that means getting someone who can hold an audience to help you with your next presentation or sitting down with a colleague who seems to know absolutely everyone to help you improve your networking skills. You could also take a course in communication (yes, they exist), or throw yourself in at the deep end by forcing yourself to present and talk to people as often as is humanly possible. Teamwork So what’s next, once you’ve learned how to effectively communicate? The next step is using this skill effectively as part of a team. Humans are social animals, and two heads (or three, or four) are almost always better than one. Solving problems with other people means you’ll hear ideas you would have never thought of by yourself, while additionally becoming familiar with disparate perspectives and means of deciphering complications. But it’s not just about coming up with solutions. It’s also about simply working together with people in the same office or classroom, and being flexible with their plans so you can work together when it’s convenient for both of you. It’s about listening to other people, respecting their viewpoints, and being able to articulate yourself so you can disagree or agree when necessary – being polite while maintaining your integrity. Essentially, it’s about being able to trust others to help you, whether that’s planning and organizing a task together, making important decisions as a group, or using all of your brains to solve a problem. All of this can come in handy when, for example, you need to work with other students or researchers on group projects. Collaborating on a university project can be a great way to improve your teamworking skills. Time management and self motivation The flip side of this, of course, is that it’s also imperative to be able to work by yourself and manage your time effectively. Working by yourself involves having some self direction – that is, motivation to work when there’s nobody pushing you to get stuff done – as well as the initiative to know what to do next. Prioritising can be a difficult task in and of itself. It involves making sure you know what’s most important to get done – not only for yourself, but also for the other people in the team and the company in general. Delegation can be helpful when prioritising, leaving you to get on with more critical tasks. Another technique is to keep a to-do list in order of priority – but make sure organising your to-do list doesn’t become a stressful task. Perhaps most importantly, learning to say no will do wonders for your time management. If someone asks you for help and you think it will distract from more important tasks, or if it’s something that shouldn’t be delegated to you, or if you simply can’t find the time, it’s okay to apologise and say no. The alternative is to take on too much and stress yourself out, leading to lower-quality work, or worse, simply not getting everything done. Being a leader What was the soft skill LinkedIn said was going to be the most likely to get you hired in 2018? That would be leadership. Leadership is the quality of being able to inspire people, talk clearly to them about your ideas, and actually see things through. Leadership is really a combination of many different skills, including most importantly communication, but also being hardworking, delegating, being responsible, going above and beyond your expected work, and creatively finding solutions to problems. On a more basic level, though, a leader is someone people are willing – even happy – to follow. It also includes skills less related to working and more towards people – being open, empathetic and communicative with your employees and a person to whom they can come with questions and concerns is vital. You need to retain the ability to be professional while not coming across as too ‘corporate’, meaning being social while acknowledging the inevitable hierarchies of the workplace. It means listening to your employees’ ideas and judging their utility fairly. Leadership is perhaps the hardest skill to improve as it encompasses so many other qualities, and it seems that some people are simply born leaders. But despair not. There are a few things you can do to improve your leadership skills. Classes exist on refining body language, problem solving, and management and leadership skills. Improving your communication skills can also help you become a more effective leader, opening you up to other people and making you more empathetic (or at least seem so). Other more abstract ways of improving this skill are maintaining a sense of integrity and being passionate about what you do. People are often drawn to leaders who are obviously passionate and genuinely care about what they are trying to achieve. There are many different types of leaders – coaches, dictators, authoritarians, democrats and partners, to name a few. Each of these styles has upsides and downsides. Find the leadership style that fits with your aims, personality and strengths, and hone your other soft skills as best you can. Get to work In the end, soft skills are just as important as the hard skills with which we’re all familiar. Unfortunately, they’re usually more difficult to hone. But it can be done, and employers and bosses love to see them in action. However you choose to improve yourself – through classes, by surrounding yourself with accomplished soft-skillers, by throwing yourself in at the deep end, or a mixture of all three – try to spend at least a little bit of time improving your communication, teamworking, time management and leadership skills. If you do this, you’ll be nicely set up for the myriad job interviews you’ll undoubtedly be attending in later life.
Everyone knows about the hard skills you need to be able to succeed in economics or in academia in general: excellent writing and proofreading skills, the ability to extract information from what are often dense scientific texts, and being able to evaluate and analyse data effectively, among other things. But they aren’t the only skills you need to have. There are, of course, the dreaded soft skills – a slippery term that can mean anything from being able to clearly communicate your ideas to another human being to more abstract concepts like emotional intelligence. But what are the most important soft skills to have, and how can you develop the ones that need some more work?
The INOMICS Questionnaire: Fratzscher vs Rossi-Hansberg
Download the INOMICS Handbook! Marcel Fratzscher: What is your favorite place on earth? Esteban Rossi-Hansberg: My office: The thrill of having my own space to work and concentrate has never gone away since I got my first office at Stanford’s economics department in 2002. Perhaps the reason can be traced back to my PhD. Back then, Chicago Ph.D. students did not get their own desk. I wrote my dissertation in the cafeteria of the Business School. MF: Outside of economics, what occupation would you have if you could be absolutely anything? ERH: I would be an artist or a chef. I love the creativity and the sense of accomplishment. If you think about it, it is not that different from research in economics. There is a technical part to our work, but the most creative (and best) part involves coming up with useful and beautiful abstractions. MF: What is the virtue you appreciate the most? ERH: Smarts are always useful, but in my experience not that scarce; at least in our profession and at the level required for most endeavors in economics. For me, the most important quality is perseverance and the ability to work hard continuously over many years. MF: Your all-time favourite figure in economics? ERH: I have three favorites, Friedman, Becker and Lucas. In my view, this trio has defined and expanded the reach and methodological rigor of the field more than any other. MF: Your #1 economics blog? ERH: I am not an avid reader of blogs, but I like VoxEu. It is a good, fast way to stay connected with research on a number of issues not directly related to the topics I study. I also like that it is based on real research, not just opinions MF: Your ideal student? ERH: Independent, smart and with a lot of grit. MF: What should be done to address a gender bias in research in economics? ERH: Focus on ideas and their quality, not on who produces them. MF: What is the most misguided research agenda in economics? ERH: Reduced-form empirical studies of the overall economic impact of climate change are misguided. How can we aggregate and extrapolate over hundreds of years without relying on theories of the economic mechanisms of adaptation? MF: What is the most promising current research field or issue in economics? ERH: Quantitative spatial economics: The theory and quantification on this topic have evolved dramatically, and the tools are ready to be applied to a large variety of extremely important substantive issues. There are very few topics in economics where space is not important! MF: Where does economic research have the most influence on policy-making? ERH: Probably monetary economics: Inflation is under control almost everywhere because research helped understand the mechanisms that generated it. The reaction of monetary policy during the great recession was very much driven by existing research as well. MF: On what issues should policy listen more to economists? ERH: Local policy and local investments: Governments and international institutions spend fortunes developing infrastructure and promoting reforms that affect local economies without doing proper, stateof-the-art, evaluations. Urban and regional economic policy is much more influenced by architects and urban developers than by economists. This should change. Economists have good tools to improve spatial and urban policy as well as resource allocation and infrastructure across space. MF: What is your career advice to a young economics researcher? ERH: Try to be methodologically broad, specialize only on topics, never on research techniques. Thematic specialization can lead to more depth in your knowledge, methodological specialization will only put limits on your capabilities as a researcher. Header Image Credit: Marcel Fratzscher / DIW and Esteban Rossi-Hansberg (kindly provided)
Esteemed economist, Princeton Professor, and friend of INOMICS, Esteban Rossi-Hansberg, generously took time out of his busy schedule to take part in the second INOMICS Handbook Questionnaire. Opposite him, in his customary role of quizmaster, was Professor Marcel Fratzscher, president of the DIW Berlin, and one of Germany’s leading voices in macroeconomics. Keeping with tradition, and as a nod to the heavyweight reputations of those involved, we dubbed the encounter ‘Fratzscher v Rossi-Hansberg’. What played out proved illuminating and often personal, the dialogue shedding light on the inner workings of the mystery that is the ‘economist’s mind’. For anyone even loosely connected to economics the following conversation will make an interesting read.
How the Economics+ approach is changing the face of the discipline
A growing number of graduates from this program have ascended the ranks in many sectors, from banking and consultancy, to NGOs and International Development. The Master’s is distinguished not only by its impressive academic staff but also by its adoption of the Economics+ approach to teaching. To find out more, INOMICS sat down with Economics Lecturer and Researcher at Radboud, Charan van Krevel, for a chat about the MSc in Economics, his time as a student, and his position now as part of the Economics’ faculty at this great university. Much is made of the Economics+ approach that underpins the teaching of the Master’s program. How does it differ from more traditional ways of teaching economics? Traditionally taught economics approaches economic decision-making from a solely rational perspective. People are assumed to be optimizers: creatures capable of processing all available information when confronted with a choice, and who act simply to maximize their own happiness. In reality, we are constrained by the physiology of our brains and, most importantly, by our environment. Therefore Economics+ integrates insights from psychology, law, and sociology into its methodology, to better understand the occasionally counter-intuitive decisions people make. We do not negate the traditional perspective entirely as there remains much to be gained from its study; rather, we shift the emphasis toward a holistic approach to human decision-making. How did the Economics+ approach develop? Economics+ has actually been the main characteristic of our Bachelor’s and Master’s programs for a long time. Even before the crisis in 2008—which revealed the dangers of trusting any economic model that had the “optimizing individual” at its base—we placed great emphasis on the context in which economic processes happen. In the short time since its inception, Economics+ has really gained in popularity, and not just in the Netherlands. This development, I believe, owes a lot to the teaching and research of Economics at the Radboud University. What advantages does the Economics+ approach bring to studying, work and life generally? First off, I should say that it’s not required for students to have prior experience of Economics+; in fact, most do not. Introductory courses like Pluralisms in Economics will bring students up to speed. With respect to the advantages it offers, we believe Economics+ helps foster a more realistic and nuanced approach to looking at the world. It challenges students to constantly look beyond their pre-existing conceptual horizons—a process that is designed to produce critical, flexible and adaptive problem solvers. These skills, when developed correctly, are crucial in devising policies, and are something that both companies and governments have expressed admiration for when describing our alumni. We welcome prospective students who are motivated, eager to learn, and looking to expand their horizons. We also believe that this critical attitude and broad perspective that Economics+ instils is transferred to the way we perceive and engage with society. It enables us to better understand the viewpoints of others—crucial for consensus building—and prevents us from developing tunnel vision. Ultimately, these skills help us engage with each other more constructively in the political, economic, and social arenas. I am confident that exemplars of Economics+ will contribute to building bridges. Where do graduates from the MSc in Economics typically end up? What are the career prospects? The career prospects are promising! 95% of our graduates find a job within 6 months of graduation, and 35% of graduates already have a job even before graduating. Usually, they choose large enterprises, with 100+ or 1000+ employees, but some also prefer smaller companies. The type of occupation they pursue depends a lot on their specialization. Still, a large portion of our graduates decide to go into consultancy, whether it is financial or accounting, or they go into banking. Some also opt for a career in international development, at an NGO or a government. Of course, some graduates, like me, stay in academia to teach or do research. How much one-on-one time should prospective students expect while studying the MSc in Economics? One-on-one time with lecturers is either built into a course itself, or is optional. For instance, when you write your master’s thesis you will have a supervisor, available to you personally, with one-on-one time. Additionally, most lecturers have an open door policy if students wish to visit them or discuss something one-on-one. Our small scale teaching strategy is not only about built-in one-on-one time, but also relies a lot on student initiative and lecturer approachability. Does the department support students in finding internships? And are there existing links with other institutions that help facilitate this process? We find it important that students have the freedom to choose an internship if they so wish. There are several organizations with ties to Radboud that have internship programs for students. Some of these organizations are student-led, while others are independent companies. Either way, we give students the freedom do an internship by awarding credits for their completion. Your students have ranked you highly on their student evaluations. What exactly about your teaching style do you think led to this? Although I can’t speak for my students, I can describe my teaching philosophy. For students to learn something I have to present information in a way that makes them want to learn it. So often I use humour to explain a dull theoretical concept; other times I provoke them by arguing an unpopular opinion and challenging them to prove me wrong, rewarding them when they succeed. Ultimately, I always want to engage with my students on a personal level. In trying to do so, I often use examples from my personal life. I tell my students that by the end of the course, I want to know all their names. Content-wise, I always keep in mind why I find something interesting myself, and try to inspire my students by exhibiting my sincere toddler-like curiosity. Being alumni of the Economics+ program and now a lecturer at the faculty what would you say the program has contributed to your professional success? Why did you choose the Nijmegen School of Management at Radboud University for your studies? And if you had to choose again, would you make the same choice? I owe a lot of my professional success to the program and being granted the opportunity to join the lecturers who inspired me as a student has been an absolute privilege. I remember when I first enrolled in the Economics Bachelor’s when I was a teenager. I decided to study economics because it was by far my favourite subject in high school and I wanted to pursue a career at a financial corporation, perhaps as an accountant. But somewhere along the way my curiosity for science and economic thought drove me towards academia. My performance in the Master’s distinguished me from my fellow students and my experience as a lecturer gave me the chance to pursue my dream of becoming a researcher too. The study climate in Nijmegen has definitely been conducive to my relative success. I got to know my professors personally while I was a student, and they encouraged me to follow my ambition, something that was hugely motivating. Moreover, the city of Nijmegen itself has always been the most comfortable place to live. I often travel the world, but there’s no place like Nijmegen. Despite some bumps I’ve experienced along the road, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. And finally, where is the best place to relax for economics students at Radboud University? That’s tricky, because Radboud has so much to offer. Personally, I like going on serene walks in one of the many parks that border the campus, or the huge forest that’s close by. In my student days I often turned to the vibrant city centre or one of the beaches. Nijmegen is not a coastal city, but we have several lakes and rivers that have fantastic beaches on their banks. There are also some concert venues in- and outside the city centre that I still frequent, in addition to the array of other nightlife options.
Situated in the oldest city of the Netherlands, Nijmegen, Radboud University has firmly established itself as one of the country’s most reputable institutions of higher education. Offering programmes across the academic spectrum, its MSc in Economics, in particular, is attracting students from all over the world.
Resources for economics students to learn statistics
However, if your background is more in social sciences than in mathematics, statistics can be a challenging subject because it is unfamiliar. Not only are there new concepts and terms to learn, but also the quantitative approach of mathematics differs from the argumentative approach of most social science subjects. Not to mention the assignments, which are likely in the form of short answer questions and tasks rather than essays or longer form answers. Browse our program listings for more opportunities If you're an economics student and are struggling with statistics, however, you don't need to despair! In addition to the statistics courses that will almost certainly be a part of your studies, there are many more resources out there which can help you learn. In this article, we'll go through some of the different resources that are available to help you learn statistics. Websites When there is a particular topic you need to understand or a specific technique that you want to use, then you can quickly find information online. If you just need a formula or an explanation of a term, then Wikipedia can be surprisingly helpful, as some of their statistics pages are quite a high level. But for more in-depth knowledge, then you want a speciality statistics site. Blogs are also a useful source of knowledge. One useful site is Discovering Statistics, which is the site run by British professor Andy Field. It has all of the information on statistics that an average undergraduate would need, and topics are explained in a funny and easy to read way. The big advantage of this site is that it is written in plain English, with no jargon or difficult to understand terminology. If you're more of a words person than a mathematics person, then this site will suit you well. Another great site is Stat Trek. This site has tutorials, tools, and tables as well as information on statistics. It is aimed at advanced high school students, but will cover most of what undergraduate students need to know as well. Doing tutorials that let you work a problem through from the beginning to the end is an excellent way to build your confidence at working with statistics. Finally, Simply Statistics is a good resource for more advanced students. This site has a blog with thoughtful blog posts about data science plus interviews, information on conferences, and links to courses at online learning institutions like Coursera or courses hosted independently by other academics. <11an>limit:2;categories:jobs|courses|conferences|Professor;disciplines:Econometrics, Statistics and Quantitative Methods (JEL C)</11an> Podcasts Something to remember is that learning statistics isn't only about memorising equations or specific statistical terms. It also requires a broad understanding of mathematics, probability, and numerical accuracy. In order to build your broader knowledge, you can turn to resources like podcasts. Most podcasts are more fun and casual than textbooks, but that doesn't mean they aren't useful learning tools. Plus you can listen to them while you travel or while you're doing jobs around the house, allowing you to learn in this downtime. One of the most popular statistics podcasts is More or Less: Behind the Stats from the BBC. This podcast digs into a statistics topic each episode, such as recent episodes on vaccines and herd immunity, assessing the value of foreign aid, and how to calculate mortality following a natural disaster. The podcast Partially Derivative ended in 2017, but there is still a big archive of episodes available. This podcast covers the “data of everything” with a specific interest in computing, and looks at the data related to topics like AI, deep learning, and bots. Finally, a useful podcast hosted by two data scientists is Not So Standard Deviations. They discuss the latest news in the field of data science and dive in depth on topics like the use of statistics program R, books in the field, and specific examples of topics relevant to statistics. A recent series on the podcast has been a chapter by chapter discussion of the book Design Thinking by Nigel Cross. Online Courses If you want more in-depth help with statistics, such as learning a topic before your semester starts or catching up on something important that you missed in your lectures while you were sick, then you can try an online course. There are lots of free online courses available which might include video lectures, slides, exercises, and more to teach you a topic. Sometimes the course materials are available for you to work through at your own pace, but often the materials will form part of a course which you take over a number of weeks. While online courses can't offer the direct teaching and classroom environment of an in-person course, they can get you up to speed on the essentials of a topic to help boost your confidence and get you over a statistics hump. We have a full article with 10 free online courses in statistics, but we'll break down some of the best here as well. Intro to Statistics from Stanford University and Udacity. A course that lasts 8 weeks in total and is aimed at students who have no university experience with statistics at all. The perfect course for new undergraduates who are worried about the statistics component of their course and want to prepare in advance. Statistics: The Science of Decisions from San Jose State University and Udacity. This self-paced course typically runs for around 4 months, depending on how fast you work through the material. This is a more advanced course, suited for an undergraduate who has already completed an introductory statistics course. The background required for this course is a basic understanding of proportions (fractions, decimals, and percentages), negative numbers, basic algebra (solving equations), and exponents and square roots. Statistical Thinking for Data Science and Analytics from Columbia University and EDX. This course takes 7 – 10 hours per week and runs for 5 weeks, aiming to teach the principles of statistics as applied to data science. It is an introductory course for no knowledge of statistics is required to start. Learning from Data from Caltech. This is another self-guided course, so lectures and homework are made available and you work through them at your own pace. The course teaches an introduction to machine learning by focusing on the application of algorithms and applications to big data. Because it is more specialised than the other courses, this would be a great choice for an economics student who is interested in getting into data science but wants to get some experience in the topic before deciding whether to take a full in-person course. General interest books As well as textbooks, you can also learn about statistics from more general interest books which are geared towards the public. Obviously, these books will not have the same depth or detail as an academic text, but they are quick and fun to read and help broaden your understanding. If you have a holiday coming up or a bit of free time and you want to learn while also enjoying yourself, try out some of these books: Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Michael Lewis is the book which the famous movie about statistics and baseball was based on. It tells the true story of a struggling baseball team who turn to a statistician to help them select new players and to improve their team. These events had a huge impact on how modern sports operate, and the book serves as an example of the power of statistics when put into practice. Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell is another famous book which gained a huge public following. It describes the factors that makeup success in various fields, and as a part of this it covers a lot of material about probability, statistics, and economics. It's not a serious academic text but it's a fun and easy read. Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner is a book which aims to make economics exciting. By looking at topics in pop culture, it teaches readers about the essential principles of economics, including statistics. The authors find fun and quirky examples to make their lessons engaging and easy to read. Looking for a graduate program to continue your studies? Check out our program listings.
A subject that many new economics students – and some older economics students too – struggle with is statistics. Statistics are an essential tool for economics, allowing data analysis and modelling to be accurate and mathematically correct. More broadly, statistics are of great importance in all of our daily lives.
The different types of fellowships available for postdocs
If you want to start a postdoc then you need to know about the different types of postdoc positions that are available. Typically, a postdoc can be paid a salary from a variety of sources: either paid directly by the PI from their research budget, or from being awarded a fellowship by an outside funding body. Getting a fellowship is generally considered a better option than being employed directly by a PI, as with a fellowship if you decide to move to a new institution or change to a different research topic you can keep the fellowship funding with you. There are a number of different types of fellowship that are available for postdocs, so if you are looking to apply for a fellowship then you will need to know what options are open to you. In this article, we'll talk about the different types of fellowship available to postdocs. Browse our postdoc job listings for more opportunities Browse our funding & scholarship listings Teaching fellowships A common way for postdocs to earn a salary is through a teaching fellowship. This means that the postdoc will have a regular teaching load for undergraduate, masters, or PhD students and will usually be responsible for lesson planning, setting and marking assessments, and supporting students on top of their regular teaching and research duties. The exact course load that a postdoc is required to teach will vary between fellowships, but it will often be around about equivalent to a half time teaching position. The advantage of a teaching fellowship is the direct, hands-on experience of teaching that it provides. In some countries, such as the U.S., having teaching experience is extremely important for getting a professorship position, so it makes sense to get as much practice in teaching as possible. In addition, some people find teaching less experienced students and conveying an interest in the subject to them to be extremely rewarding. The downside of a teaching fellowship is that it involves a whole extra job on top of your research duties, which can often end up being pushed aside when you are busy with teaching. In some countries in Europe, teaching is considered less prestigious than pure research and so the preference would be against teaching fellowships. If you do take up a teaching fellowship, be prepared to juggle responsibilities to students as well as to your own research. Individual fellowships Arguably the most desirable form of fellowship, an individual fellowship is awarded to you as a postdoctoral researcher in order to pursue the projects that you want. Even if you decide to move to a new institution or start a new project, you can continue to use the fellowship money for your salary and research expenses as it is tied to you personally, not to a position at an institution or specific research topic. This means that if you have an individual fellowship, you have quite some leverage over where you work and what you research. Most institutions are happy to take on a postdoc who comes with their own funding, so you get to choose which institution and department you want to work at. Individual fellowships will usually be awarded for a period of two to five years and will cover costs like your salary, research expenses, and sometimes even pay for supporting positions such as a PhD student or research assistant. Within the category of individual fellowships, there are a variety of sources of funding that we will consider next: Government funding One of the biggest sources of funding in most fields is government research organisations. Bodies like the National Science Foundation in the U.S., the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft in Germany, or the Medical Research Council in the UK provide funding to researchers at all stages of their careers including postdoctoral. Some research topics attract more government funding than others, as governments tend to fund more projects which will have a direct and money-saving impact on governmental tasks in the future. However, often your project may be able to fit in more than one topic area, which you can use to your advantage. In the UK, for example, a psychology project would usually fall under the Economic and Social Research Council, but if the project has a clinical focus then it could also go under the Medical Research Council which generally has more generous funding available. Look into the specifics of which government bodies give out funding and try to identify where your project has the best change to receive funding. In most cases, you will apply for funding from the government of the country that you want to work in. So, if you are originally from France but you are currently working in the Netherlands and you plan to stay there for the foreseeable future, then you should apply for funding from Netherlands funding bodies. However, there can be some restrictions on government funding based on your citizenship and residency status, so check into this before you apply if you are an expat. Institutional funding Another source of potential funding is the institution at which you currently work or at which you want to work in the future. Universities have large research budgets, some of which will be allocated to postdoc positions. These fellowships can be for teaching and research or for pure research. These fellowships tend to be slightly easier to apply for and less intensely competitive than fellowships from governmental bodies. The advantage of these fellowships is that it is relatively easy to get funding if you are already working in a department. The disadvantage is that the funding is tied to a particular position, meaning that if you want to move to a new institution or take up a new project then you will lose your funding. Institutional funding can also be used for short-term periods to cover you between two longer periods of external funding, for example. So you can get institutional funding for six months or so while you are applying for a major grant from the government. Travel fellowships Finally, one type of fellowship funding that may be of interest is travel fellowships, where funding is offered for postdocs to travel to an institution in another country to gain knowledge or skills. This generally happens when a postdoc knows someone in research in another country, such as a collaborator, and wants to visit them for a shorter period to work together. If the hosting institution is supportive, then the postdoc can apply for a travel fellowship to cover their travel costs and salary during this period. You apply for funding from the country that you want to visit – so if you currently work in Japan but want to travel to a U.S. institution then you would apply for travel funding from the U.S. institution. Travel fellowships generally last between one and six months and can be a great support for postdocs who want to gain new skills. It is usually best to apply for a travel fellowship when there is a specific skill, type of knowledge, or technique that you can learn from the foreign institution that you cannot get from your own institution. The travel fellowships most likely to be awarded are those with a specific goal in mind, and in which the postdoc can return and spread knowledge among their home institution. Browse our programs listings for more opportunities
After finishing a PhD, most researchers who want to stay in academia will go on to one or more postdoc positions. As a postdoc you may conduct your own research, but most likely you will be supporting a principal investigator (PI) who decides what topics will be investigated. As a postdoc you will perform research, supervise PhD students, teach undergraduate or masters students, and present work at conferences and workshops.
Tips for reformatting your manuscript to submit to a new journal
Browse our job listings for more opportunities 1. Look up the formatting guidelines on the journal website Before you begin reformatting, make sure that you know exactly what the requirements of your new target journal are. Don't assume that just because you have formatted for one journal in your field that the requirements will be the same for other journals. Each journal will have its own requirements in terms of fonts, layouts, required appendices, image formatting guidelines, and supporting materials, so make sure that you research this thoroughly before you begin the reformatting process. You can find a full list of formatting guidelines on the website for the journal you are aiming to publish in. 2. Remember to check your tables One part of reformatting that always seems to take forever is formatting your tables of data. Tables are finicky and tend to break when compressed or stretched to fit different paper sizes or margins. Make sure that you check every single one of your tables to see that it is displaying correctly under the new formatting requirements. 3. Use a tool like LaTeX to format more quickly If you are looking for a way to make reformatting easier and you are fed up of using a word processor like Microsoft Word or Open Office Writer, then you can try a specialist academic typesetting program like LaTeX instead. LaTeX is a little more complicated to use than a standard word processor as it requires you to separate out your content and your formatting and to indicate your formatting choices through the use of a markup language. However, once you have a document prepared in LaTex then you can change the formatting of that document very easily. With a few clicks you can change the fonts, margins, columns, emphasis formatting, and more throughout the entire document. Instead of having to go through your entire manuscript and change every time you use italics, for example, you can just change the italics formatting setting and all of the italic text will be changed for you. If you have the time and patience to learn to use LaTeX now, you will save a lot of time on reformatting in the future. 4. Print your colour images before you finalise them Most academics read all of their journals electronically these days. But don't forget that journals are still printed on paper and that there is a group of people who prefer to read in this format. While text will typically not need any tweaking to look presentable in both electronic and paper formats, you need to pay attention to your figures or images to make sure that they look okay when printed. This is especially true if you use colour images, as colours can vary a great deal between printing and electronic display. Once you have reworked your images and you are happy with how they look on screen, do print them out and check how they look on paper. Often you might find that the colours look too washed out or too dark on paper, or that labels and other text are hard to read. Tweak the colour settings of your images until you are happy with them both on screen and on paper. <11an>limit:2;categories:conferences|Professor;disciplines:General Economics (JEL A)</11an> 5. Check your reference format One of the most time-consuming tasks when it comes to reformatting a manuscript is preparing all of the references or the bibliography. There are many different styles of reference that are used by different journals and it takes a lot of time and concentration to make sure that every reference is done with the exact correct punctuation, use of initials or names of the authors, formatting of the journal name, referencing the page numbers, and so on. If you have a shorter reference list, you can make these changes by hand. But if you have a very long reference list, then you may want to consider using a tool like Mendeley. Mendeley lets you keep a list of all of the references you are using for a project, and then can display those references in various different formats like APA or MLA. Once you have uploaded your reference list to the program, this makes reformatting your reference list much quicker. 6. Suggested reviewers Some journals will ask submitting authors to suggest other researchers who could be contacted to review the paper. Not all journals require this, so if you are submitting your paper to a new journal which does require it, then take some time to think of an appropriate person or people. You want to choose someone who you do not work closely with or know personally – so don't suggest someone in your department or someone you frequently collaborate with – but you do want someone who knows the field well. If you have met your suggested reviewer a few times, that's okay, but it shouldn't be someone you're close with. Pick someone whose work in the field you know and respect and who you think would have a clear and fair understanding of the work that you've done. 7. Data sharing Different journals have different policies about sharing data. In addition, your institution might have policies on data sharing that you should be aware of. Wherever possible, sharing your data helps demonstrate your transparency and commitment to high standards of research, as well as contributing to the broader academic community. Look into the journal's data sharing options and discuss with your co-authors and others in your department to find out if you should share your data publicly. 8. Cover letter Just like when you apply for a job, your cover letter for a journal submission should be adjusted to the particular requirements of the journal. Don't use a standard template letter for all of your manuscript submissions, though it is okay to start with a standard template and then make tweaks according to the journal. Try to specify why your work would be of interest to the particular readers of the journal in question – for example, is the journal read mostly by clinicians, or researchers, or educators? Also, if possible try to link your manuscript to a theme of the journal or to other articles which have previously been published in the journal. This helps to support the idea that your work would fit in with the journal's message and would be interesting to its readers. 9. Plagiarism detection Many journals now have some kind of electronic plagiarism detection, where you must upload your manuscript for it to be automatically checked against other work for similarities. Uploading your document and getting the detection software to accept it can take a few attempts and more time than you think, so don't leave this until the very last minute if you're on a strict deadline. 10. Be patient, it will take time When you need to reformat a paper, at first you might think that it will be a quick job. After all, you just need to tweak a few things with the layout, right? Unfortunately, the reality of reformatting is that it always takes more time than you expect. Even though the changes you are making to your manuscript are minor, it still requires time and attention to make sure everything is correct. Set aside a week or two to perform all the reformatting and try to be patient, as it will inevitably take a while to get the manuscript ready for your new journal submission. Looking for a graduate program to continue your studies? Check out our program listings.
As every academic knows, writing a paper for submission to a journal is a long and arduous process. It is common for papers to be rejected from the first journal that you submit to, so you will have to reformat the manuscript and resubmit it to another journal. This process of reformatting requires quite a bit of work, even when the paper is staying essentially the same and the only changes being made are cosmetic. Every journal has its own rules about formatting such as fonts to be used, margins, the type and number of images allowed, and citation format. To help you with this process, here are our tips for reformatting your manuscript to submit to a new journal.
If you're thinking of going travelling but want to check out some Master's programs at the same time, take a look at our program listings. Set up a Virtual Private Network A virtual private network, or VPN, is a service that makes it safe and secure to use the Internet anywhere you happen to be. It does this by sending your connection through a server that hides what you're doing online. VPNs can be used wherever your travels take you and any data you use or create will be encrypted. That way no one can identify your computer, access your school data or steal your personal information. Make sure you're familiar with how VPNs are used in the countries you travel and be prepared for any technological or legal limitations in those places. Find an online study program Clearly a traditional program won't allow you to skip class and travel as the whim takes you. For that reason, you'll need to find an accredited and reputable online Master's degree program that you can access anywhere. There are many programs of this sort based out of many colleges and universities across the globe so do your research and find the one that best fits your area of study and your needs as you travel. Combine your itinerary with course requirements Whether you're traveling for work, pleasure or as a member of the military, look through the course requirements as you plan your trip itinerary. You will want to create an easy week if you have exams or a paper to write; don't pack your travel with sightseeing or constant meetings during these times! When you have an intense of week of study ahead of you, try to schedule more downtime or stops in relaxed locations where you'll have the time to get down to business when it's important. Pack the right materials You don't want to find yourself hundreds or thousands of miles from home without the materials you need to do your coursework. Make sure you have packed all relevant books, papers, and software you'll need to keep track of and complete your studies when you're away from home. In addition to that, you'll also want to make sure you have your laptop, smartphone, pencils, pens, notebooks, and any other supplies to help you study. You may want to subscribe to an online library so you can do research even if you can't get to a brick and mortar library. Enjoy the benefits The biggest perk to traveling while you do your Master's degree is the freedom to see the world and complete your bucket list without having to give up your ambitions when it comes to your education. While you travel, you will also be gaining worldly experience that will supplement your field of study and give you valuable skills and experiences you can include on your resume when you're ready to find a job using your Master's degree. Online classes are generally small, giving you a closer relationship with your instructor and peers so you can get the most out of your studies even if you're busy traveling. Understand the drawbacks As with anything, there are some cons to consider when you travel and complete your Master's degree at the same time. While they probably aren't serious enough to deter, it makes sense to understand the possible drawbacks so you can put a plan into place to deal with them. When you're travelling, you might find it hard to find the motivation to take the time to study and do your coursework. You will need to create a doable schedule that includes time for school so that you don't feel that you're missing out when you travel, but so you also don't get behind. Another possible drawback is that it could be hard to find an appropriate place to study when you aren't familiar with your location. Research each destination on your itinerary so you can find coffee shops, hostels geared for students, or libraries where you can settle in and get work done. Pay attention to time zones This is important as your work will have deadlines and you'll need to make sure you know what time it is where the assignment is due so that you get it turned in on time, regardless of where you happen to be at the time. Don't miss any deadlines because you thought you were five hours behind, but you were actually five hours ahead! Studying online is a prime way to have the freedom to travel and gain world experiences as you earn your Master's degree. Being prepared for everything you'll encounter means a smooth ride and enjoyable and productive travels. Bon voyage!
Having a Master's degree is a valuable way to advance your career and gain more knowledge in your chosen field. Unlike an undergraduate degree program, you may not have to go to school full time to achieve this step in your education. However, it does require some time and effort, which means you'll need to figure out how to fit it in with your lifestyle. If that lifestyle includes travel as a priority, you may wonder how you can complete your Master's without giving up your travel schedule. The good news is that you can do both. It won't be the conventional way to graduation that most post-grad students follow, but it can be done and you'll enjoy the freedom to travel while also completing your degree. Here's what you should know.
How To Pick A Topic For Your Economics Master’s or PhD Thesis
Make sure you pick a project with appropriate scope The biggest mistake that students make when picking a topic for a thesis is choosing a topic that is too broad for the length of thesis they are going to write. In almost all cases, your topic should be narrower and more specific than you think it should be at first. Being more narrowly focused will help you to keep your thesis well-structured and with a clear argument, instead of ballooning out across too many related ideas in an unstructured way. If you’re unsure if the scope of your project is appropriate, ask an adviser or experienced researcher whether it sounds appropriate to them. Pick a topic that plays to your strengths and existing knowledge Certainly, a thesis can and should be a way for you to learn new skills. However, you’ll already have a lot to learn about long-form writing, so don’t make your job even harder by picking a topic in which you have no experience whatsoever. If you’ve never been much into statistics, for example, it’s probably best to stay away from research projects which require complex data analysis. Conversely, if there’s a subject that you really excelled at in your studies, consider doing your thesis on a related topic so you can build on your existing knowledge. Gauge the right level of originality for your thesis You’ve surely heard that your thesis needs to be ‘original work’. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be performing research from scratch! For a master’s thesis, you’ll typically be reviewing other people’s work on an established topic and adding your own spin to the analysis. For a PhD thesis, you should aim for a novel approach to an existing topic or investigate a new or under-researched topic. <11an>limit:3;categories:PhD Programs;disciplines:Economics</11an><o:p></o:p> Make sure it’s something you’re interested in This sounds obvious, but you should absolutely make sure that the project you choose is of interest to you! If you’re going to be working on a project for months or even longer, then it has to be something which you are engaged with, and the best way to keep engaged is to pose a question for your project to which you want to know the answer. Think back over the lectures you’ve attended and the books you’ve read, and consider what issues you enjoyed discussing and thinking about. If there was ever a topic which you came across and wanted to know more about, but didn’t have the time or resources to investigate, this is your chance to find out more. Get inspired by previous students’ projects If you’re unsure where to start, or don’t know what sort of project would be appropriate for your course, then it’s a great idea to look at previous students’ projects. In most universities you’ll be able to access previous student theses in the library, so you should take advantage of this resource. While you should never copy someone else’s idea, you can use it as inspiration. For example, perhaps someone has done a project on the economic implications of an international policy within a certain country. Your project could look at the implications of that same policy in a different country. Or you could look at a similar policy in a different period of history Ask your lecturers or supervisor for advice Once you have one or more ideas about a topic for your project, you’ll want to ask for advice from people who have experience in assessing projects. You don’t want to do a lot of work on a project idea, only to hear much later that your supervisor thinks your topic is not a good choice. Do some basic preparation before meeting with a supervisor or lecturer – make sure that you understand the basic facts of the subfield which you’re interested in, and that you have some ideas about what your research question would be and what methods you would use to answer it – but make sure that you get feedback on your idea early in the process. Consider an interdisciplinary topic If you’re working in economics but are also interested in another academic subject, you may have the opportunity to learn about the field as a part of your research project. You could consider a project which touches on a subject like history, sociology, business, politics, or psychology, for example. The advantage of this is that you can experience information and methods from another field to see if studying it further would interest you. It will also help you to create a unique and memorable project, as most of your fellow students will likely study a topic which is based purely in economics. This might make your project a little harder, as you will have more new information to grasp than others.
Whether it is for your master’s or your PhD, picking a thesis topic is a vital step in your academic career. Choosing the right topic will give you a great head start on your thesis, so it’s worth taking your time to think through your options and to choose a subject that will suit you and meet the needs of your course well. Here are some tips for economists who are picking a topic for their master’s or PhD thesis.