Work Visas for Foreign University Graduates in the EU
It is important to remember, however, that your country of origin can also affect the type of visa for which you are eligible. Please consult your embassy and the government website of the country in which you are interested in working in order to find detailed information about visa options available to you. France In France, there are a few options for non-EU international students who have earned at least a Master’s degree from an accredited institution. The visa most commonly granted to graduates is the APS (autorisation provisoire de séjour), which is valid for 12 months beyond the expiration date of the graduate’s student residence permit. The APS allows the recent graduate to work in any position up to 60% of an official workweek. Graduates who find a job related to their program of study and with a salary of at least one and a half times the national minimum wage can then request a new full-time employment visa. Recent university graduates can skip the APS visa and apply directly for a work permit if they are trained in one of 14 specified occupations, which include operators and engineers in fields such as woodworking, glassmaking, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing and information systems production. Germany In June 2012, the German government overhauled various laws regarding residence and work permits, including Article 16, which previously granted graduates of German universities a 12-month job-seeking visa. As of August 1st, 2012, any graduate of a German university hailing from a non-EU country is now entitled to an 18 month visa of this sort, which allows graduates the opportunity to stay in Germany and look for a job upon graduation. Furthermore, this visa also dictates that university graduates should be viewed as equal to German nationals, meaning that no proof needs to be given showing that they are more qualified for the position than German applicants, which is normally the case. Once the 18-month period has passed, graduates of German universities are treated equally to other immigrants from their country of origin. This means that the graduate needs to apply for a regular work permit according to the type of job he or she has secured. Be it freelance, fixed-term or open-ended, the chances of university graduates being granted further work visas in Germany is quite high, as long as employment is found within 18 months after graduation. Spain There is no visa specifically designated for foreign graduates of Spanish universities. In general, any non-EU citizen interested in working in Spain must first have a job. The employer applies for a work and residence permit, and once this is granted then the individual can apply for a work visa. Unlike in many other EU countries, a permit and visa are not the same thing. The duration of a work visa is tied to the length of the applicant’s job contract, and can thus vary widely. Be sure to contact the Spanish embassy in your country or take a look at the Spanish government website for detailed information. Spain maintains many bilateral partnerships with diverse countries around the world, making the attainment of a residence and work permit somewhat easier for citizens of various countries, including many across Latin America. Be sure to consult your embassy and read about the laws regarding citizens from your country of origin before planning a move to Spain. The United Kingdom Until April 2012, the UK offered foreign university graduates an automatic 12-month work and job-seeking visa, but unfortunately this is no longer the case. Now, foreign graduates of UK universities have a few options, though they are far more restrictive than the previous visa scheme. Recent graduates of UK universities can apply for a Tier 2 visa if they have a concrete job offer, provided that their future employer is a licensed sponsor and the job salary meets the sector-specific criteria laid out by the UK government. These visas generally allow you to stay in the UK for between 3 and 5 years. Alternately, recent graduates can leave the country and apply to return on a Tier 5 visa, often called the temporary worker visa. This visa also requires sponsorship and is only valid for between 12 and 24 months. Finally, a Tier 1 visa is available to writers, composers, artists, self-employed lawyers and “Highly Skilled Migrants” who prove their qualifications using the UK point-based system. However, switching from a student visa to a Tier 1 visa is difficult and often not possible. For detailed information about whether this option is available to you, please consult the UK government website. If you’re still unsure of exactly where you’d like to study or work, head to INOMICS to find hundreds of great educational and career opportunities in each of these countries. Photo credit: Charles Clegg
With student mobility continually on the rise, the number of foreign students earning degrees in Europe is ever increasing. Yet, the long-term visa opportunities for such graduates are not equal across the European Union. With immigration laws changing regularly, sometimes it can be difficult to know exactly what to expect in a given country. In this post, we offer you updated information about the types of work visas available to university graduates in the most popular European destination countries for foreign students: France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Teaching Tips for New Professors and Lecturers
1. Ask for Advice It’s important to remember that everyone was new at some point. Whether before, during or after your first semester, don’t hesitate to reach out to colleagues for advice and assistance. As almost everyone previously in this position will attest, other faculty members can give you specific advice about your institution and help you understand the nuances of what it’s like to work there – use them! It’s also useful to remember that no one is expecting perfection from day one – or day fifty for that matter – so asking questions, rather than showing ignorance as it sometimes can feel like, is just the sensible and smart thing to do. 2. Define Clear Goals This goes for both you and for your students. In the first few sessions, make it clear to your students what you hope to achieve and how you plan on getting there. Don’t simply go over the syllabus. Instead, explain to students why you chose the content and how you expect to tackle it together. Students will appreciate the time you take elaborating why week 2 is macro rather than microeconomics, and why Keynes comes before Friedman. Having them on board from the get-go, feeling part of the process –teaching is after all a two way street – will stand you in good stead. 3. Establish Your Role Early On While high school students tend to be a bit more aggressive than college students when it comes to jumping on a teacher’s vulnerabilities, it’s still incredibly important to show that you are the boss straight away – and first impressions in this regard are particularly important. Building back respect after a bad first few weeks is difficult. Avoid this by asserting yourself from the get-go. You needn’t overly impose yourself, just show your class that there are some lines that cannot be crossed. If you feel nervous, remember that you have earned this position and that it’s yours alone. 4. Always Be Prepared (And Prepared to Change) One of the best ways to establish yourself as an authority in the classroom is to always come prepared. Be sure to set up anything you’ll need during your lecture or discussion in advance so that if there are any issues you can take care of them beforehand without wasting valuable class time. If something goes wrong or gets changed last minute, be prepared to go with the flow – it’s best to always have a back-up plan. 5. Try Out Diverse Teaching Methods You might have clear ideas about what type of professor you want to be before you enter the classroom, but don’t be surprised if your expectations shift once reality sets in. Though sticking to a plan is important, it’s also a good idea to experiment with an array of teaching tools and methods. Gone are the days when a blackboard and a piece of chalk would suffice. Gone also are the days when a simple slideshow accompaniment would suffice. Nowadays, particularly post-COVID, the use of technology is indispensable, a must if students are to stay engaged – and INOMICS has a blog article dedicated exclusively to which tools will best serve this need . 6. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes It’s understandable to always want to answer students’ questions and know the right answers, but it’s impossible to be right all the time. If you don’t know an answer, it’s best to simply admit that and come back to that student once you’ve figured it out. Your students will respect you more if you admit your flaws rather than pretending to be sure about something when you’re not. 7. Have High Expectations and Engage Your Students Whether you’re teaching in a community college or an Ivy League university, it’s important to remember that, more often than not, your students will rise to the occasion and meet the standards you set, provided you give them the opportunity to do so. This means not only presenting challenges, but showing students you have faith in their ability, and affording them independence. Most will respond positively to this kind of treatment, and will derive confidence from the trust you place in them. 8. Depth is Usually Better than Breadth Many new professors feel that if they don’t get through every page of a book and every item on the syllabus they haven’t done their job. Yet, for most students, a comprehensive examination of one subject is much better than a superficial look at many subjects. So, as is pointed out in this Psychology Today article, don’t be afraid to let a good discussion go on a bit longer than planned – just be clear about your expectations for what students need to be familiar with even if you don’t get through everything in class. 9. Take Notes and Build On Your Own Experiences In addition to incorporating the advice of other professors, it’s important to reflect on your own experience in the classroom. Taking notes or keeping a teaching journal can help you veer away from things that didn’t work and focus on what did. As this blog post from About Education highlights, it’s also important to reflect on what’s doable for you. If the first few weeks of classes make you realize you’ve packed too much in, don’t be afraid to adapt the syllabus for the rest of the semester. 10. Be Yourself and Have Fun Although it might not always be easy to stay relaxed, try to remember that being yourself and showing your passion for your subject is normally the most effective motivator for students and certainly the best way for you to enjoy your job. You’ve made it through grad school and landed a job as a professor, so be proud of yourself – and have some fun with it!
Although most new professors have already clocked countless hours in the classroom as teaching assistants, the shift to being the sole authority in the room can be a scary one. No matter how prepared you might feel, the first days (or weeks or months) at any new job tend to be a bit overwhelming – and that's totally normal. So, whether you feel like legging it home and hiding under the covers until winter break, or you just need a little extra boost to get you on the right track, the following 10 tips will help you stay motivated, organized and have you ready for the coming academic year and all it’s likely to throw at you.
There are many options for financial aid, including scholarships, studentships, bursaries, stipends, grants and loans. In this section, we will review the most common types of financing available to students in the UK, from across disciplines and backgrounds. As a general rule, funding applications should be sent in by summer at the latest for a fall start date, so remember that it’s best to send out applications as early as possible! Scholarships Scholarships are usually provided through the institutions themselves in conjunction with a given course. Competition for scholarships is usually quite high, as the number is limited and receiving one is considered an honour. Be sure to check course listings on INOMICS in order to see if there is a scholarship available for the course to which you would like to apply. Sometimes there are also institutional or university-wide scholarships, so be sure to take a look at other pages to see if the institution to which you are applying offers scholarships that fit your profile. Studentships Studentships are generally on offer specifically for postgraduate students, allowing them to engage in research or teaching in exchange for funding. Such positions sometimes include living expenses in addition to university fees. The majority of studentships are coordinated by the Research Councils UK. Prospective students should apply directly to the research organisation at which they would like to study. In total there are seven Research Councils, including Councils for the Arts and Humanities, Bioscience, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Economic and Social Sciences, Medical Research, Science of the Environment and Science and Technology. Studentships are often available only for PhD track students, though there are specific opportunities for Master’s courses. Such studentships are aimed at research-focused courses, which would allow the student to engage in a research position alongside his or her studies. There are also studentships intended specifically for international students, as internationalisation is valued highly by UK institutions. Check through the offers from the Research Council relevant to your studies to find the best opportunity for you. Grants and Bursaries There are many charities and trusts in the UK that provide grants to students from across disciplines. In general, grants offered through charities are targeted at students who come from backgrounds with low socioeconomic status and can prove that they cannot afford tuition fees. Some such charities are extremely specialised, while others will give small grants to anyone they deem eligible. Most charities offer grants to international as well as UK students, so everyone is encouraged to apply. Applications tend to be quite short, meaning that even if you only receive a small amount of money, the time invested in applying is not too great so as to make it an unappealing trade-off. Learned societies are another source for grants and bursaries, usually ranging from £100 to £1,000. Both charities and learned societies appreciate written letters rather than emails, so it is recommended that you first write a letter asking whether or not you are eligible, then once they’ve replied you can fill out the correct application form. Loans Loans are offered by a number of UK banks. While restrictions vary from bank to bank, you generally must be under 40 years of age to qualify for what is called a Professional or Career Development Loan. Most banks will only loan up to £10,000, which may or may not cover your full course. Many students choose to apply for a loan only to cover the remaining tuition fee not covered by other forms of funding. If you are applying as an international student, it is also possible that a bank in your home country will offer a loan. Be careful about what type of loan you take out, however, as it is easy to fall into debt as a student and can be difficult to get out once you’ve graduated. It’s best to use loans as a last resort if you are unable to secure funding from any of the other channels listed above. Photo credit: _skynet Photo credit: Piers Nye
For many students, one of the most difficult subjects when it comes to university applications is how they plan to obtain funding for their studies. If you feel that you fall into this category, do not let fear of high admissions fees hamper your decision to apply to the university of your choice. Although admissions fees vary widely across institutions, students can apply for funding for nearly any course, receiving small to very large amounts of money in order to cover the cost of studying a postgraduate degree.
Top Conferences in Banking, Economics and Finance - Fall 2014
In addition to offering you our usual conference round-ups over the past seasons, we’ve also provided you with tips on how to choose the right conference for you and what to wear once you’re there. Furthermore, take note that this is just a selection of all of the conferences listed on INOMICS, so if you don’t see the perfect event for you in the list below, you can head to INOMICS and do a targeted search through the hundreds of additional opportunities. The following conferences are listed in ascending order. Please be aware, however, that deadlines for paper submissions and participant registration vary widely, so take a look at the individual conference pages to double check deadlines. If a submission deadline has already passed, it is still a good idea to contact the conference organizers, as last minute cancellations can mean they still need participants. 1) 25th Annual Conference on Islamic Banking September 1st – 2nd Central Bank of Iran Tehran, Iran 2) 9th Annual Conference of the EPIP Association – Improving Innovation Systems September 4th – 5th, 2014 European Commission Brussels, Belgium 3) 15th OxMetrics User Conference September 4th – 5th, 2014 Timberlake Consultants London, United Kingdom 4) International Istanbul Conference of Economics and Finance September 8th – 9th, 2014 Yildiz Technical University Istanbul, Turkey 5) 28th International Business Research Conference September 8th – 9th, 2014 University of London Barcelona, Spain 6) 8th International Conference on Currency, Banking and International Finance September 10th – 11th, 2014 University of Economics in Bratislava Bratislava, Slovakia 7) 20th London Stata Users Group Meeting September 11th – 12th, 2014 Timberlake Consultants London, United Kingdom 8) 14th FRAP Finance Accounting and Risk Perspectives Conference September 22nd – 24th, 2014 ACRN U Research Centre Oxford, United Kingdom 9) Cambridge Financial Risk & Network Theory September 23rd, 2014 Centre for Risk Studies, University of Cambridge Cambridge, United Kingdom 10) ABSRC 2014 Rome – Advances in Business-Related Scientific Research Conference September 24th – 26th, 2014 Rome, Italy 11) XXVI Annual Conference of the Italian Society of Public Economics September 25th – 26th, 2014 Italian Society of Public Economics (SIEP) Pavia, Italy 12) Banking in Europe: Current Challenges September 26th, 2014 Institute of Economic Studies – Charles University Prague, Czech Republic 13) Dynamics, Economic Growth and International Trade (DEGIT XIX) September 26th – 28th, 2014 Department of Economics, Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee, United States 14) Oil & Gas Supply Chain Strategy 2014 October 7th – 8th, 2014 Athens University of Economics and Business London, United Kingdom 15) 3rd International Conference: Environment and Natural Resources Management in Developing and Transition Economies October 8th – 10th, 2014 Centre for Studies and Research on International Development Clermont-Ferrand, France 16) International Conference: Exchange Rates, Monetary Policy and Financial Stability in Emerging Markets and Developing Countries October 13th – 14th, 2014 University of Leipzig Leipzig, Germany 17) Copenhagen Workshop on Limited Attention, Selective Perception and Bounded Rationality in Decision Making October 20th – 21st, 2014 University of Copenhagen Copenhagen, Denmark 18) Entrepreneurial Finance, Innovation and Growth October 23rd – 24th, 2014 Bank of Finland and Centre for Economic Policy Research Helsinki, Finland 19) International Microsimulation Meeting October 23rd – 24th, 2014 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance Maastricht, Netherlands 20) The 9th International Conference on Business Management Research (ICBMR) October 24th – 25th, 2014 Kyoto University Kyoto, Japan 21) The Financing of Healthcare and Welfare Models in the Era of Longevity October 27th – 28th, 2014 Italian Health Economics Association Venice, Italy 22) Third International Conference on Futures and Derivative Markets October 31st – November 1st, 2014 Shanghai Futures Exchange Shanghai, China 23) 17th Annual Research Conference – Forward Guidance and Communication about Unconventional Monetary Policy November 13th – 14th, 2014 Dutch Central Bank Amsterdam, Netherlands 24) International Conference on Business Servitization November 13th – 14th, 2014 Orkestra-Basque Institute of Competitiveness, University of Deusto Bilbao, Spain 25) NBP Workshop on Short Term Forecasting November 13th – 14th, 2014 National Bank of Poland Warsaw, Poland 26) Symposium on Business and Economics in Times of Crisis 2014 November 14th – 15th, 2014 Lupcon Center for Business Research Lisbon, Portugal 27) ISI Regional Statistics Conference 2014 November 16th – 19th, 2014 Bank Negara Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 28) 5th Annual Financial Market Liquidity Conference November 20th – 21st, 2014 Corvinus University of Budapest Budapest, Hungary 29) Building Sustainable Agriculture for Food Security in the Euro-Mediterranean Area: Challenges and Policy Options November 20th – 21st, 2014 Institute of International Affairs Rabat, Morocco 30) 10th Joint ECB/CEPR Labour Market Workshop on “Labour Supply in the Aftermath of the Crisis” November 27th – 28th, 2014 European Central Bank Frankfurt am Main, Germany Photo credit: UNU-WIDER
Although those of us in the northern hemisphere have just entered the dog days of summer, fall is just around the corner, meaning it’s the right time to start planning out your autumn conference schedule. Whether you’re dreaming of the changing leaves and crisp air or dreading the idea of darker evenings and cooler days, right now you should focus on choosing the right event for you from this great list of academic conferences taking place around the world.
1) Broaden your reach outside your own institution to bring diversity and different perspectives to your department or team 2) If possible, do not narrow down your pool of candidates to local applicants only, and make it clear in your advertisement that you welcome international applications – there is a lot of talent worldwide you will otherwise miss out on 3) Start advertising the position in a timely manner – at least 30 days in advance 4) Broaden your job description: even though academic and research jobs usually have very specific requirements, at least in the first stage leave the door open for candidates who, while meeting the basic needs of the position, offer slightly different professional backgrounds 5) Do not limit your recruitment advertising only to the webpage of your institution – consult with colleagues in your network for recommendations about their current and former co-workers or students, and explore online services and social media channels 6) Market your department as well as the individual position: the working environment is an increasingly important consideration for candidates 7) Use online job posting services and mailing lists to extend your pool. If you are a public university you can do this with special sponsored rates on INOMICS and through our email alert services 8) Advertise your vacant position in places that address your target audience, avoiding more generic job platforms 9) Make sure you can measure the effectiveness of the channels you employ to advertise your position and use what you learn to help make informed decisions for your future recruitment needs 10) Take care when using automatic screening processes – they may screen out candidates who, while less conventional, are no less qualified for your position 11) Even for academic positions, consider applications from candidates with less academic backgrounds, especially those with extensive industry experience 12) If possible, have at least two members of the search committee to review applications at the initial stage
In September the recruiting season gathers pace, a fact that candidates today know well. Last year, the number of people visiting the INOMICS job listing pages increased by 28% in the eight weeks from the start of July to late September. The rush increased even more in October, with a rise of 20% in just one month. Every institution has their own policies and guidelines for faculty hiring, but still there is a set of best practices which in many cases is applicable regardless. We explored examples of best practice for academic recruiting (before the interview stage) and put together a list of them to help INOMICS customers find the best match for their positions.
How to Make the Most of a Post Doc or Junior Researcher Position
Yet, some recent graduates feel so overwhelmed by the dissertation process that they use a post doc as something akin to academic downtime. While this might be tempting, it is important to remember that the beginning of your career can set the tone for years to come. In today’s highly competitive academic market, having multiple publications and presentations on your CV within the first few years of your career can help you immensely in landing a desired position down the road. In order to make the most of your time as a post doctoral or junior researcher, you should communicate openly and clearly with the primary investigators and/or your advisor about your aims and interests going into the job. As the authors of a recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education note, it is important to make a plan regarding what you would like to accomplish in your position. Some advisors will even suggest that you work together to draft a clear individual development plan. When doing so, be sure to keep in mind all possible opportunities you might be able to engage in during your post doc. These include: Organizing a symposium Writing literature reviews Co-authoring research Teaching courses Writing grant proposals Attending conferences Moreover, beyond engaging in such activities, it is also important to make use of the great human resources surrounding you. In addition to the PIs, the other junior researchers also present great opportunities for collaboration. By working with peers, you create chances for long-term connections and build a broader network. Outside of the lab or institute, networking at conferences and meetings is also an essential part of making the most of your time as a post doc. The best way to get your name out there is to attend as many relevant events as possible, presenting research, showing posters, or even just talking to fellow researchers. While introducing yourself to someone important in your discipline might seem awkward at first, you will soon come to realize that it comes with the territory of being an academic. By following these basic guidelines, you will be able to get the most out of your post doc position, thereby helping you along the way to a great career in academia. To get started, head over to INOMICS and browse the many post doc and junior research opportunities. Photo credit: University of Michigan
For many recent PhDs and other doctoral graduates, the first step in an academic career is at least one, if not two or three post doc or junior researcher positions. Regardless of which department you work in, such a position is a great way to make connections, publish your research, add experience to your CV and get a feel for life as an academic.
English Proficiency Exams: Which to Take and How to Prepare
Yet, the sheer number of exams out there can be overwhelming. In this post, we’ll offer you advice about which exams are most widely accepted, and which make sense for you. We’ll also give you tips on how and what to study in order to receive a top score. If you’re still searching for the right program or job, head to INOMICS and search through hundreds of listings updated daily. The Top Exams TOEFL The TOEFL is owned and operated by ETS Global, the same education management company that runs the GRE. While this test can be taken in numerous forms, the most current is the TOEFL iBT, or internet-based test. This format has progressively replaced the computer-based and paper-based tests. The full exam takes approximately 3–5 hours and is divided into four sections. The test is comprised of reading, listening, speaking and writing components. The topics used to test reading and listening tend to be academic in nature in order to test students’ comprehension ability. The type of English spoken and written in this exam is primarily North American English. The TOEFL iBT is scored on a scale of 0 to 120 points, with each of the four sections being granted between 0 and 30 points. Most postgraduate programs require a minimum TOEFL score of at least 80 points, though the exact number varies by course. CPE The CPE is operated by Cambridge English Language Assessment, which is part of the University of Cambridge. This highly respected exam is accepted not only by UK universities, but also by global companies and other institutions around the world. This exam is based on British English. Cambridge English Language Assessment offers a range of language exams, and the CPE is the highest level possible. The CPE is divided into four sections, including reading and use of English, writing, listening and speaking. The first two sections each last 1.5 hours, the listening section lasts about 40 minutes and the speaking section lasts 15 minutes per pair of candidates. Scoring for the CPE follows the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which ranges from A1 (beginner) to C2 (fully proficient). Students who sit the CPE exam are expected to score within the C1 to C2 range, and receive a certificate stating proof of exceptional English ability if they score a Grade A, B or C within the C2 level. CAE The Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) exam is the second highest proficiency test that Cambridge English Language Assessment offers. This test is also accepted by a wide range of universities, institutions and companies around the globe. The CAE also tests comprehension of British English. The CAE is split into five sections rather than four, including reading, writing, use of English, listening and speaking. The overall length of the exam is therefore slightly longer than the CPE, totalling nearly five hours. The CAE is also scored along the CEFR framework, and students who sit this exam are expected to score between the B2 and C2 range. Each test taker will receive both a Statement of Results and a certificate upon completion of the exam, providing detailed proof of language skills. Most universities require students to show C1 level proficiency, though the exact grade can vary by institution or even specific course. IELTS The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is also recognized by universities, institutions and companies around the world. IELTS English proficiency exams are offered at designated testing centres in over 900 locations worldwide, with tests up to four times per month. The IELTS recognizes and utilizes both British and American English grammar, spelling and word choice. IELTS offers two versions of its exam, Academic or General Training. Students interested in applying to courses at UK universities should sit the Academic exam. The test takes just under three hours and is divided into four sections: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Every test taker is given the same listening and speaking components, while the reading and writing components differ between the Academic and General Training exams. The IELTS is hand marked by Cambridge English Language Assessment certified examiners. Test takers receive both a raw score and a band score, which are both based on the compiled mean of each section score. The band scale ranges from 1 to 9, reported in half point increments. Test takers who receive a 9 are deemed Expert Users. Studying for English Language Exams Each individual exam offers a range of customized study materials, including: Work books DVDs Online tutorials Written practice tests Audio practice It is very helpful to become familiar with the format of the test you will take, so it is recommended that you study using materials specific to that exam. There are free sample questions on the official websites of nearly each exam, so it is also a good idea to take a look at the format and see which makes most sense for you, assuming that where you are applying accepts each of these top options. In addition to using designated study materials, it is also helpful to simply use English on a regular basis in the weeks prior to taking the language exam. For example, you can: Meet with a language tandem partner Listen to or watch English news Read newspapers and magazines Watch movies and television Moreover, asking a native speaker to look at writing samples and point out any major or repeated mistakes can help you focus on your weaknesses and improve your overall skills. Photo credit: Blue Square Thing
If you are considering applying to a study program taught in English, whether in an English speaking country or elsewhere, you will almost certainly be required to send proof of English proficiency as part of your application. Moreover, if you are interested in applying to jobs that require English proficiency, having a language certificate will make your application process much smoother.
Rather than simply copying a list from QS or other global rankings, however, we’ve made a handpicked list of math departments from four continents – North America, Europe, Asia and Oceana. Each of these departments falls within the top 100 worldwide according to diverse ranking systems. In the list below, you’ll find each institution grouped according to geography. If the university you are looking for is not on this list, head to INOMICS, where you’ll find hundreds of other top departments from diverse disciplines. North America Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts Columbia University New York, New York Stanford University Stanford, California University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario McGill University Montréal, Quebec Europe University of Cambridge Cambridge, United Kingdom University of Oxford Oxford, United Kingdom Trinity College Dublin Dublin, Ireland Autonomous University of Madrid Madrid, Spain Pierre and Marie Curie University Paris, France ETH Zurich Zurich, Switzerland University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland Catholic University of Leuven Leuven, Belgium University of Bonn Bonn, Germany Asia Kyoto University Kyoto, Japan University of Tokyo Tokyo, Japan Oceania Australian National University Canberra, Australia University of Melbourne Melbourne, Australia University of Auckland Auckland, New Zealand Photo source: Ed Brambley
In previous posts we’ve offered you lists of Top Political Science Departments Worldwide and Top Economics Departments in Spain, Latin America and Europe. In this post, we’re shifting our focus from the social sciences to highlight the best math departments around the globe.
Econometrics, Statistics and Quantitative Methods (JEL C)
Top Political Science PhD Programs in Europe and the United States
While there are of course many other great programs around the world, such as those at the University of Tokyo and Australian National University, we feel that the abundance of top schools in Europe and the U.S. necessitate a list of their own. Each of these programs falls within the QS Top 100 list for political science departments. The order listed below, however, reflects geographical location rather than ranking, with the European institutions preceding the American. Degree TitleUniversityLocation 1) PhD in GovernmentLondon School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)London, United Kingdom 2) DPhil in PoliticsOxford UniversityOxford, United Kingdom 3) PhD in Politics and International StudiesCambridge UniversityCambridge, United Kingdom 4) PhD in Political ScienceTrinity College DublinDublin, Ireland 5) PhD in Political ScienceSciences Po ParisParis, France 6) PhD in International Relations/Political ScienceThe Graduate Institute GenevaGeneva, Switzerland 7) PhD in Political ScienceUniversity of MannheimMannheim, Germany 8) PhD in Political Science and GovernmentAarhus UniversityAarhus, Denmark 9) PhD in Political ScienceUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen, Denmark 10) PhD in Political ScienceLund UniversityLund, Sweden 11) PhD in Political Economy and GovernmentHarvard UniversityCambridge, Massachusetts 12) PhD in Political ScienceYale UniversityNew Haven, Connecticut 13) PhD in GovernmentCornell UniversityIthaca, New York 14) PhD in Political ScienceColumbia UniversityNew York, New York 15) PhD in PoliticsNew York University (NYU)New York, New York 16) PhD in PoliticsPrinceton UniversityPrinceton, New Jersey 17) PhD in Political ScienceGeorgetown UniversityWashington, D.C. 18) PhD in Political ScienceUniversity of California, BerkeleyBerkeley, California 19) PhD in Political ScienceStanford UniversityStanford, California 20) PhD in Political ScienceUniversity of California, San DiegoLa Jolla, California As always, head to INOMICS to browse through these and many other PhD, Master’s, MBA and summer school programs. Photo credit: Wesley Fryer
Although summer is just getting underway in many parts of the world, fall application season is waiting just around the corner. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a professional looking to step back into academia, finding the right PhD program is not always an easy process. For that reason, it’s important to start reviewing your options early. In a post a few months back we highlighted the global Top 20 Political Science Departments, and in this post we’d like to narrow that list to the graduate level while focusing specifically on Europe and the United States.
How Does Studying Abroad Help Your Job Prospects?
Even American students seem to be finally recognizing the many reasons to venture beyond their borders, as an increasing number are heading to Europe, Asia and elsewhere for extended stays. For U.S. students, the lower cost, shorter length of programs and diverse course selection can all act as added incentives for earning a degree abroad. Yet, amongst the many articles citing the importance of such a move, few discuss the other side of the coin – what to do after you’ve earned your degree. In short, graduates have three choices: stay in the country where they’ve studied, move to another new country or return to their home country. While the second option might seem unusual, it’s actually far more common for people to move to a second (or third or fourth) country once they’ve made the initial move abroad. To encourage the first option, numerous countries, including Australia, New Zealand and Germany, offer international students special work visas upon graduation. In an effort to quell the potential effects of brain drain, countries such as South Korea, China, India, Pakistan and Mexico all offer various incentives to highly educated individuals if they come home after graduation. Regardless of whether you head back to your home country or remain abroad, the transition from university to the work world can be challenging. Adding the further complication of (reverse) culture shock, language barriers or visa issues might seem simply overwhelming. Yet, it’s important to remember that there are many resources to help you in this process. The use of global employment networks such as INOMICS can help you look for work around the world, rather than simply focusing on one country. If you do plan on heading back to your home country after graduation, don’t be afraid to make use of your alumni association or other groups to help you settle back into your country of origin. When searching for a job, keep in mind that what you’ve learned abroad can offer you a strong advantage over other candidates. Don’t hesitate to emphasize not only the concrete aspects of your education, but also the skills you’ve learned, such as cross-cultural communication, multilingualism, independence and empathy. Moreover, it’s important to remember that international education can be put to use in a wide range of fields. Most national governments value candidates who speak multiple languages and have experience abroad, so jobs in policy and politics are definitely a good option. Relatedly, think tanks and other research organizationsvalue not only the aforementioned skills, but also the soft skills of intercultural competence and a diversity of perspectives. On the international level, NGOs and international organizations put a strong premium on candidates with previous experience in international settings. Regardless of where you are, skills in international business, management or finance make you a top candidate for banks and investment firms,multinational businesses, as well as international law firms. In summary, no matter where you’re applying, international experience can boost your chances for employment on a number of scales. Remember to highlight both your hard and soft skills and think broadly when searching for the next step along your professional path. Photo credit: simlinglin99
With the global flow of students higher now than ever before, there is an abundance of advice available regarding the benefits of studying abroad. Whether for a semester or a full degree, studying in a foreign country can boost your CV, help you learn a new language, expand your cultural understanding and allow you to create a worldwide network of friends and colleagues.
Who Will Win the 2014 World Cup? Econometrics Can Tell Us
According to the “PwC World Cup Index,” key factors predicting a top spot in the championship include the number of professional players in a given country, national interest in the sport, long-term tradition and the recent standing of the team. Yet, the relative weight of each of these and other variables is not always easy to quantify. Moreover, there are other factors, including home team, and even home continent advantage, that are thrown into the mix. Alongside the PwC report, a number of other organizations have delved into the prediction game, including Deutsche Bank and The Economist. For the fifth World Cup in a row, Goldman Sachs also produced a lengthy statistical analysis. Their report, “The World Cup and Economics 2014” uses a stochastic model to create predictions for each of the 64 potential matches that could be played, thereby creating a probable ranking of each team. Each report draws on historical and contemporary data to create their models, leading to the same conclusion – injury and error aside, Brazil should prove victorious. The PwC report highlights the fact that odds are consistently in favor of European and South American teams, though no European team has ever won when South America was hosting the World Cup, and Brazil is the only South American team ever to have won in Europe (in Sweden in 1958). Interestingly, both the U.S. and England are what they call “perennial underachievers,” as their overall rankings should have led to far more World Cup wins than history has shown. This year is unlikely to buck this negative trend, however, as neither team is predicted to advance beyond the first round. Yet, as the Goldman Sachs report points out, these models do not account for injury, illness or other unpredictable factors. So while econometrics tells us that the final game will pit Argentina against Brazil, perhaps a fluke accident or a few bad passes will allow other teams to sweep in and compete for the number one spot. If you find yourself stumbling over the basic rules of the game, much less the econometrics of who might win, take a look at this article on the 10 things you need to know in order to understand the World Cup. Like the Olympics, the World Cup offers both die-hard fans and novice viewers a chance to come together and enjoy watching. So read up and enjoy the fun!
In a post about the Olympics this past winter, we mentioned research linking the economic development of a country to its chances of taking home a large number medals in the Games. While it might seem reasonable to extend this logic to the World Cup, in-depth econometric and statistical analysis indicates otherwise. So how can we best predict who will come out on top in this year’s World Cup?
Top Economics Master’s Programs in the United States
Whether you’re interested in economic policy analysis, international and development economics or applied economics, the list below includes a program for every type of econ student. Each of these programs offers a terminal Master’s degree, meaning one that is not part of a PhD program. To browse these and other options, take a look at the comprehensive listings from around the globe on INOMICS. To build the list below, we first turned to international ranking schemes, but found those to be lacking, which is a topic we discussed in a recent blog post. Thus, this list represents programs at well-respected universities across the country, but the order simply follows geography rather than adhering to any kind of systematic ranking. MA in Global Development Economics, Boston University Boston, Massachusetts MA in International and Development Economics, Yale University New Haven, Connecticut MA in Economics, Columbia University New York, New York MA in Economics, New York University (NYU) New York, New York MS in Applied Economics, Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland MS in Applied Economics, Georgetown University Washington, D.C. MA in Economics, American University Washington, D.C. MA in Economics, Duke University Durham, North Carolina Master of Applied Economics, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan MS in Economics, Purdue University West Lafayette, Indiana MA in Economics, University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas MA in Economics, University of San Francisco San Francisco, California Photo credit: Beraldo Leal
While many recent Bachelor’s graduates are debating the choice between entering the job market and embarking on a PhD (take a look at this post if you find yourself in this position), it’s important to remember that there are a number of top-notch Master’s programs in economics out there as well. We recently offered you a list of Erasmus Master’s programs, but in the current post we’ll shift focus to the United States, where stand-alone Master’s programs in economics are gaining both prominence and popularity.
Which English Language Exams to Take for UK Universities and How to Study
While there are countless English language exams on the market, the most commonly accepted tests include the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), the Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) and the International English Language Test System (IELTS) exam. Regardless of which test you sit, you should review the individual components of the exam a few weeks or even months prior to test day. It is also helpful to read, write and speak in English on a regular basis for at least a few days prior to the exam in order to make the switch into English more fluid. For more on studying, take a look at the tips at the end of this section. Below we will offer you more detailed information about each of the exams mentioned above. TOEFL The TOEFL is owned and operated by ETS Global, the same education management company that runs the GRE. While this test can be taken in numerous forms, the most current is the TOEFL iBT, or internet-based test. This format has progressively replaced the computer-based and paper-based tests. The full exam takes approximately 3–5 hours and is divided into four sections, with a mandatory ten-minute break in the middle. The test is comprised of reading, listening, speaking and writing components. The topics used to test reading and listening tend to be academic in nature in order to test students’ comprehension ability. The type of English spoken and written in this exam is primarily North American English. The TOEFL iBT is scored on a scale of 0 to 120 points, with each of the four sections being granted between 0 and 30 points. Most postgraduate programmes require a minimum TOEFL score of at least 80 points, though the exact number varies by course. CPE The CPE is operated by Cambridge English Language Assessment, which is part of the University of Cambridge. This highly respected exam is accepted not only by UK universities, but also by global companies and other institutions around the world. This exam is based on British English. Cambridge English Language Assessment offers a range of language exams, and the CPE is the highest level possible. The CPE is divided into four sections, including reading and use of English, writing, listening and speaking. The first two sections each last 1.5 hours, the listening section lasts about 40 minutes and the speaking section lasts 15 minutes per pair of candidates. Scoring for the CPE follows the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which ranges from A1 (beginner) to C2 (fully proficient). Students who sit the CPE exam are expected to score within the C1 to C2 range, and receive a certificate stating proof of exceptional English ability if they score a Grade A, B or C within the C2 level. CAE The Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) exam is the second highest proficiency test that Cambridge English Language Assessment offers. This test is also accepted by a wide range of universities, institutions and companies around the globe. The CAE also tests comprehension of British English. The CAE is split into five sections rather than four, including reading, writing, use of English, listening and speaking. The overall length of the exam is therefore slightly longer than the CPE, totalling nearly five hours. The CAE is also scored along the CEFR framework, and students who sit this exam are expected to score between the B2 and C2 range. Each test taker will receive both a Statement of Results and a certificate upon completion of the exam, providing detailed proof of language skills. Most universities require students to show C1 level proficiency, though the exact grade can vary by institution or even specific course. IELTS The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is also recognized by universities, institutions and companies around the world. IELTS English proficiency exams are offered at designated testing centres in over 900 locations worldwide, with tests up to four times per month. The IELTS recognizes and utilizes both British and American English grammar, spelling and word choice. IELTS offers two versions of its exam, Academic or General Training. Students interested in applying to courses at UK universities should sit the Academic exam. The test takes just under three hours and is divided into four sections: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Every test taker is given the same listening and speaking components, while the reading and writing components differ between the Academic and General Training exams. The IELTS is hand marked by Cambridge English Language Assessment certified examiners. Test takers receive both a raw score and a band score, which are both based on the compiled mean of each section score. The band scale ranges from 1 to 9, reported in half point increments. Test takers who receive a 9 are deemed Expert Users. Studying for your exam Each individual exam offers a range of customised study materials, including: Work books DVDs Online tutorials Written practice tests Audio practice It is very helpful to become familiar with the format of the test you will sit, so it is recommended that you study using materials specific to that exam. There are free sample questions on the official websites of nearly each exam, so it is also a good idea to take a look at the format and see which makes most sense for you, assuming that where you are applying accepts each of these top options. In addition to using designated study materials, it is also helpful to simply use English on a regular basis in the weeks prior to taking the language exam. For example, you can: Meet with a language tandem partner Listen to or watch English news Read newspapers and magazines Watch movies and television Moreover, asking a native speaker to look at writing samples and point out any major or repeated mistakes can help you focus on your weaknesses and improve your overall skills. Photo credit: Kaplan International English Photo credit: Ken Colwell
In the first section of this advice area we briefly discussed the fact that any international students for whom English is not a native language will need to present proof of proficiency as part of their Master’s course application. Proficiency tests measure the student’s level of language comprehension and capability with the aim of offering a standardized rubric for calculating whether the individual is prepared for postgraduate study in the UK.
Top Apps for Researchers: Social Science Must-Haves
Below we offer a list of various apps that can give you a quick boost in research, writing, studying and keeping your brain active during a long commute or other downtime. Many of these apps have free versions, though for full usage most charge a download fee of at least $0.99. So as not to overlap with previous posts about apps, including the one mentioned above, as well as one solely focusing on apps for iPhone and iPad, we suggest you check out those posts for tips on where to download and search for new apps, as well as links to international news apps. Research focused If you’re heading to class and realize you didn’t download the right articles beforehand, or would just like to do some research on the go, social science databases such as EBSCOhost, Pubget, SpringerLink and JStor all offer handy apps for iPhones and iPads. For the times when you need a quick fact check and don’t want to rely on Wikipedia, the CIA World Factbook and the OECD Factbook both have app versions that offer an array of useful information. To access a wide variety of journals (both Open Access and with paid subscription) on either iPad or Android, BrowZine is a great way to go. If you’d like to search not only articles but also ebooks and other online publications, ebrary offers a comprehensive app for iPhones, iPads and Androids. If you are a student and want to easily access your university’s library on the go, AccessMyLibrary offers an easy way to remain connected on either i products or Android. To search libraries around the world, WorldCat mobile allows you access to nearly any title you can think of, while also highlighting top libraries. A great resource for free general interest books is Project Gutenberg, which offers over 40,000 titles for download, straight to your mobile device. Study focused For taking notes in lectures or on your own, apps like iAnnotate, Notability and GoodNotes are all great options To help keep everything organized, myHomework offers a free and very user-friendly planner specifically for students If flashcards are your thing, Smart Flashcards offers a free app for iPhone and iPad, with customizable digital study cards We hope you found some helpful tips in this list! If you think we missed any important apps, feel free to leave a response in the comments section here or on Facebook.
In a post on Top Apps for Economists, we noted that the word “app” was becoming integrated into our daily lives. I’d say it’s achieved a solid place in contemporary vocabulary. Yet, while you may not think twice about using an app to check a train schedule, buy a movie ticket or peruse Facebook, you still might not be aware of the plethora of great academic and professional apps available as well.
Online Courses for Professional Development or Continuing Education
In the digital age we live in now, however, the range of options for online professional development has expanded exponentially. Now, even if you don’t live in a location with great continuing education resources nearby, you can easily tap into the top-notch online opportunities available to professionals around the world. There are numerous well-renowned universities that offer myriad professional development courses, many of which provide certificates of completion. Additionally, there is also a growing number of online only schools and organizations that offer courses specifically to professionals. Among these, some offer courses free of charge in the name of open access education. In previous posts we’ve focused solely on free online courses in particular disciplines, such as statistics and data analysis, mathematics and econometrics, as well as delving into MOOCS, or Massive Open Online Courses. While we find free knowledge sharing incredibly valuable, unfortunately free resources aren’t always sufficient. For this reason, we have highlighted the schools and organizations that offer free courses, but also recommend taking a look at the other courses if you are interested in professional development, particularly if you would like to earn an end of course certificate. Below you can find a two-part list, beginning with university-based online courses and ending with online only resources. The number and type of courses ranges widely, meaning that you can likely find almost any type of course you might be looking for. Courses offered through universities often follow the semester calendar, while other courses might be shorter, more intensive or allow participants to pick their pace. University based: Cornell University – focus on communications, business, finance and healthcare Duke University – focus on human resources, legal professions, community development Harvard University – courses across all disciplines and levels Stanford University – courses across all disciplines and levels University of Cambridge – some free courses, many certificate courses across fields University of Oxford – focus on project management, computer science, risk analysis, engineering University of Washington – some free courses, many certificate courses across fields Walden University (a fully online university) – focus on education, management, nursing Online only: AECdaily – short and long courses on diverse subjects Alison – courses across all fields, both certificates and diplomas can be earned ed2go – focus on healthcare, business, IT, design, service industry, management, sustainability Free-Ed.Net – free, non-certificate courses across disciplines Thunderbird Online – certificate-based courses across disciplines Though we tried to highlight top online courses in this list, there are of course plenty of other professional development resources out there. To browse course offerings, head to the INOMICS site. If you think we should have included something that you don’t see on this list, feel free to let us know in the comments below!
Many people who are already years or decades into their careers find themselves wanting to build upon their skillsets and expand their professional qualifications. Perhaps they want to make a career change, feel stuck in a mid-level position but lack the qualifications necessary for advancement, or perhaps they are just interested in gaining new knowledge but don’t have the time or means to head back to school. In the past, people in such situations could enroll in evening or weekend courses at community centers or continuing education departments at local universities.
Conferences in Finance: 15 Events in Summer 2014
Though some of the official registration deadlines have already past, if there is a conference of interest to you coming up, it’s always worth contacting the organizers to see if there are still available spots. The list below is arranged by date, with upcoming conferences on top. European Funds Transfer Pricing for Banks Frankfurt am Main, Germany, 21 – 22 May 2014 12th Annual International Conference on Finance Athens, Greece, 26 – 29 May 2014 Vienna 2nd Economics and Finance Conference – IISES Vienna, Austria, 3 – 6 June 2014 13th EBES Conference Istanbul, Turkey, 5 – 7 June 2014 Ionnina Meeting on Applied Economics and Finance – IMAEF 2014 Corfu, Greece, 12 – 13 June 2014 International Finance and Banking Society (IFABS) 2014 Lisbon Conference Lisbon, Portugal, 18 – 20 June 2014 2014 FEBS Conference on Global Trends in Financial Intermediation, Financial Markets, and Financial Modeling Guildford, United Kingdom, 21 – 23 June 2014 4th Islamic Banking and Finance Conference (IBF 2014) Lancaster, United Kingdom, 23 – 24 June 2014 2014 Asian Finance Association (AsianFA) Annual Conference Bali, Indonesia, 24 – 27 June 2014 2014 Workshop “Coping with Risk in Transnational Financial Markets” Oldenburg, Germany, 3 – 4 July 2014 Operational Research in Financial and Management Accounting Barcelona, Spain, 13 – 18 July 2014 3rd International Symposium on Business and Social Sciences (3rd ISBSS) Sapporo, Japan, 22 – 24 July 2014 Finance and Economics Conference 2014 Munich, Germany, 13 – 15 August 2014 Recent Advances in Mutual Fund and Hedge Fund Research Berlin, Germany, 25 – 26 2014 8th International Conference on Currency, Banking and International Finance – The Role of Financial Sector in Supporting the Economic Recovery in CEE Countries Bratislava, Slovakia, 10 – 11 September 2014 As always, this is by no means a comprehensive list. There are many more great conferences on finance and other disciplines taking place this summer all over the world. To browse other listings, head to the INOMICS site. Photo credit: Official GDC
Last year, we offered you a list of 10 finance conferences worth attending in 2013. Now, with summer just around the corner and conference season already underway, we want to make sure you know which conferences to register for ASAP and which to have on your radar for the coming months. With finance such a hot topic across the world right now, we’ve expanded our list to 15, while limiting the time frame to the summer months. Towards the end of the summer we’ll post another list for fall and winter conferences.
Web Rankings for Universities: How to Secure a Top Spot
The “Webometrics Ranking of World Universities” was developed in the Cybermetrics Lab at the CSIC, the largest public research body in Spain and one of the first research organizations in Europe. This new system of university ranking uses quantitative methods to analyze various indicators including social networks, web resources, scientific communication via electronic journals, scholarly activity on the internet, search engine positions of domain names and web log files. Since 2004, the Cybermetrics lab has been building their database and performing transparent, independent analysis regarding the web impact of universities around the world. Cybermetrics underscores on their website that the aim of their ranking system is not to compare institutions based on website popularity or number of unique visitors, but rather to promote the Open Access initiatives for increasing the availability of scientific knowledge. With the rise of distance learning and online courses, a clear space for knowledge sharing can set a university apart from its peers. So how can you enhance your position on this up and coming ranking system? Many university faculty are happy to share their papers and research with interested parties, but don’t regularly do so without prompting. Here are a few ways to increase your internet visibility in the name of knowledge sharing and securing a good spot on the Webometrics Ranking: Encourage professors and researchers to make their work publicly available Make sure all websites are up to date, including CVs and links Create clear spaces for open access content: share lectures, papers, reports Provide platforms for students to share their work and interact with each other Finally, Webometrics Ranking is not without flaws – for instance, they only use the top 500 institutions from a given country, meaning that universities with vast resources tend to head the ranking lists, as they do the traditional lists. Cybermetrics does offer comprehensive breakdowns by region, however, allowing for detailed comparisons within any given part of the world. For instance, while Harvard may have snagged the global number one spot, it’s quite useful to be able to narrow your search and note that the University of Sao Paolo leads the pack for Latin America, or the National Taiwan University for Asia. We predict that this type of ranking will gain importance as global connectivity continues to increase, so it’s time to be proactive and put your institution on the Webometrics map!
While everyone knows how important a good spot in the major rankings lists can be for recruiting top-notch students, another type of ranking is gaining in momentum that deserves widespread recognition as well. In the digital era we find ourselves in, it’s only appropriate that cyber rankings be given weight within a school’s overall reputation. To do well on this scale means more than just having a flashy website, however; it means creating a user-friendly, active and interactive online presence for your institution, while retaining staff who publish widely and share their work and ideas with the public via online platforms.
Entrance Exams for Applying to a Master’s Programme in the UK
While the GRE is not required across the board in the UK (as in the United States or Australia) applicants to courses in certain disciplines, including economics, may be required to send GRE scores. Below you can find key information about the GRE, followed by information about the GMAT, which is required by most business schools. You can then find information about other exams that are generally required for undergraduate studies in the UK, which may still be of interest to international students. GRE If the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is required for a course to which you are applying, be sure that you have taken the test no longer than five years ago, as older scores are purged from ETS Global’s records each year, making it impossible to retrieve or send on your scores. Even if you have copies of older scores, most programmes will not accept them. Alternately, if you are planning on sitting the exam just prior to sending in your application, be sure to leave at least six weeks for processing. Take a look at this report for more information about exam deadlines. The GRE is available around the globe in both computer and written formats. Regardless of which format you take, the test is comprised of three sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing. The first two sections are scored on a scale between 130 – 170 in one point increments, while the analytical writing section is scored on a scale of 0 – 6 in half point increments. GMAT If you are applying to an MBA, nearly every programme requires the Graduate Management Admissions Test, or GMAT, which is used by business schools around the world. Certain business schools will allow applicants to send GRE scores in lieu of GMAT scores, but this is uncommon. The GMAT is a timed test, taking 3.5 hours to complete. It is comprised of four sections: analytical writing assessment (30 minutes), integrated reasoning (30 minutes), quantitative reasoning (75 minutes) and verbal reasoning (75 minutes). Each section is scored individually, with a total score between 200 and 800. Two thirds of individuals who take the GMAT score between 400 and 600. UKCAT/BMAT To apply for a degree in medicine, you may also have to take additional exams. Most students applying to study medicine in the UK are now required to sit the United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT), and certain universities also require the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT). The UKCAT is comprised of five sections meant to test aptitude rather than academic achievement. The sections include: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, decision analysis and a separate test of situational judgement. The UKCAT can be taken online at specific testing centres around the UK. LNAT Studying law in the UK begins at the undergraduate level, meaning there is no specific postgraduate entrance exam. If you are interested in studying law, however, you will most likely have to sit the National Admissions Test for Law, or LNAT. This relatively new test was developed in 2004 at the urging of Oxford University, and is now required by nine leading UK universities. Check the specific guidelines of the course to which you are applying in order to find out whether you need to sit this exam. PAT, MAT, HAT, ELAT The Physics Aptitude Test (PAT), Mathematics Aptitude Test (MAT), History Aptitude Test (HAT) and English Literature Aptitude Test (ELAT) are all required by certain universities for undergraduate courses in one of the related disciplines. If you are applying to Master’s programmes in any of these areas, you will not be asked to sit one of these exams, as your Bachelor’s degree is the key qualifying criteria. Photo credit: Kaplan International English Photo credit: shaundon
Most Master’s courses at universities in the UK do not require specific entrance exams, apart from language proficiency exams for anyone who does not speak English as a native language. For an explanation of which English proficiency exams are generally accepted, take a look at the first question in this section.
Rankings for Master’s Programs: What’s Out There and What’s Missing
In previous posts, we’ve looked at overall rankings systems and regional rankings lists for Europe, Asia and Latin America, but we’ve never focused specifically on graduate level rankings. One reason behind this omission is the simple fact that most rankings focus on the university as a whole, rather than differentiating between undergraduate and graduate education. Rankings lists such as Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings and Academic Ranking of World Universities can offer students great insight into top programs across disciplines and regions, but when it comes to a list of top Master’s programs, it’s nowhere to be found. While some schools excel across all levels of education, general rankings might skew the quality of many universities whose graduate programs far outshine their undergraduate, or vice versa. Within the United States, U.S. News and World Report acts as the definitive ranking body, and offers specific lists of graduate schools based on discipline. Yet, even within these lists, Master’s and PhD programs are not differentiated. The British-based Eduniversal Best Masters Ranking does offer a Master’s program ranking, but their list is not widely known, and does not have the reputation of many of the aforementioned ranking schemes. Moreover, the list is largely based on HR and student impressions of each institution, rather than criteria such as publication rate, student/faculty ratio, or other more objective measures. This lack of credible Master’s level rankings thus leaves us wondering how exactly Master’s students choose a program that’s right for them. For this reason, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to gather information on the topic, asking you – future and current Master’s students – exactly what it is you’re looking for. By taking part in our survey you will help us understand how programs are selected and exactly which criteria are most important for students. Furthermore, we think reading personal accounts of other students’ experiences can offer a kind of insight not found in rankings at all. We choose which restaurant we want to go to for dinner based on personal reviews – so why would we choose a university based on anything less? To help out future students in their decision-making process, head to the INOMICS site and leave a brief review of your university. If there are rankings lists you think we should have included, or if you have feedback on any that we did, feel free to leave comments. Photo credit: Brandon Turner
With application season largely behind us, it’s now time for students to make final decisions about where they will be heading this coming fall. For those in the lucky position of having been accepted to multiple universities, the question now is how to compare programs in order to make a final selection. Most people rely on rankings at some point in the application process, but do rankings really offer the nuance necessary to know if a program is a good fit? And without comprehensive lists comparing Master’s programs in particular, how useful are rankings at all?
Summer Internships in Economics and Finance 2013
Internships differ greatly according to discipline as well as type. For Bachelor’s students or those with little to no work experience, they can be a great first step into the working world. For anyone with a little more experience under their belt, internships are a good way to directly engage in a field of future employment, or to fill a gap between jobs. For many econ and finance students, interning in a bank is a terrific way to gain experience and test out a potential career path. Numerous central banks offer high-level internships for graduate students, for instance the Central Bank of Ireland, the Bank of Canada or Deutsche Bundesbank. If you are interested in development work, banks such as the Asian Development Bank and the Development Bank of Latin America also offer structured internships for graduate students hoping to gain relevant work experience. If you are an economics or finance student but not interested in working in a bank, there are still plenty of other options for top-notch internships. For instance, think tanks post open positions on a regular basis and are perfect places to gain experience in economic policy analysis and other areas. In Europe, institutions such as Bruegel, the Rimini Centre for Economics Analysis, TESEV or the European Policy Centre are all great options. For lists of other top think tanks in Europe, the U.S. and Latin America, take a look at our series of blog posts dedicated to that subject. Beyond banks and think tanks, many large firms in the private sector also offer internships. Companies such as PwC, Deloitte, KPMG and Ernst & Young all have offices in cities across the world, creating diverse opportunities for students and young professionals. If you’ve interned in the past, please leave a review of the institution where you worked on the INOMICS website and share your experience with future interns! Photo credit: Paul Watson
Last year, we posted an article titled “Internships in Economics – Lessons from an Economist,” which offered useful advice about the importance of internships and how to find what you’re looking for. Now, as spring is flying by and summer is just around the corner, we know that many of you are in the process of finding a summer internship. In this post, we’ll highlight a few specific internships and delve into the many great places to intern for anyone interested in economics and finance.