I wonder what would be the path from where I am to where you are. I think it is quite unlikely I would actually go for this, but I would still be curious to know your thoughts about what would be my next steps. For context:
I have an integrated masters in aerospace engineering, which I finished around 3 years ago.
Since I finished my studies, I have gradually become interested in economics via my engagement with effective altruism.
I have published many posts on EA Forum (you can check the topics they cover here).
I imagine the next steps would be:
Clarifying how much I like economics by doing more courses from Marginal Revolution University, or going through the resources you linked on your page.
If the above turns out well and other options I am considering do not turn out so well, consider doing some independent economics projects (e.g. reproducing this), and then applying to part-time research assistant positions where I would help economics professors.
If the above turns out well and other options I am considering do not turn out so well, consider applying for PhDs in economics.
Hi Vasco, thanks for reading. And thanks for your dedication to animals :) I’ve seen a few of your posts on this topic.
If you think you’ll be interested in economics PhD programs, I would encourage you to aim to apply for the next cycle (Dec ’24/​Jan ’25). There’s a lot of randomness in the process, and your grades will matter more than RA-experience, so I’d say go for it as soon as you can, given how long these programs are. If you don’t get in anywhere, you can be applying for RA-ships in the meantime, and take one if that’s your best option before trying again the following cycle. You should be able to determine within the next 10 months whether you’re interested in the material enough to set off on the PhD, and I wouldn’t waste any time applying if you decide you are.
However, I might recommend engaging with economics research directly, rather than Marginal Revolution courses. That will be a better flavor of what you’ll do in a PhD. Even if don’t understand everything in cutting edge research articles, you’ll be able to get a sense for how problems are discussed and debated, which will be a clue as to whether or not its a field you’re excited by. (Maybe start here, or here)
Thanks for sharing, Kevin!
I wonder what would be the path from where I am to where you are. I think it is quite unlikely I would actually go for this, but I would still be curious to know your thoughts about what would be my next steps. For context:
I have an integrated masters in aerospace engineering, which I finished around 3 years ago.
Since I finished my studies, I have gradually become interested in economics via my engagement with effective altruism.
I am particularly interested in welfare economics (including animals) and economics of artificial intelligence (including digital minds). I found your talk on monetizing animal agricultural externalities quite interesting.
I have recently completed Marginal Revolution University’s course Principles of Economics: Macroeconomics, and I really liked it.
I have published many posts on EA Forum (you can check the topics they cover here).
I imagine the next steps would be:
Clarifying how much I like economics by doing more courses from Marginal Revolution University, or going through the resources you linked on your page.
If the above turns out well and other options I am considering do not turn out so well, consider doing some independent economics projects (e.g. reproducing this), and then applying to part-time research assistant positions where I would help economics professors.
If the above turns out well and other options I am considering do not turn out so well, consider applying for PhDs in economics.
Hi Vasco, thanks for reading. And thanks for your dedication to animals :) I’ve seen a few of your posts on this topic.
If you think you’ll be interested in economics PhD programs, I would encourage you to aim to apply for the next cycle (Dec ’24/​Jan ’25). There’s a lot of randomness in the process, and your grades will matter more than RA-experience, so I’d say go for it as soon as you can, given how long these programs are. If you don’t get in anywhere, you can be applying for RA-ships in the meantime, and take one if that’s your best option before trying again the following cycle. You should be able to determine within the next 10 months whether you’re interested in the material enough to set off on the PhD, and I wouldn’t waste any time applying if you decide you are.
However, I might recommend engaging with economics research directly, rather than Marginal Revolution courses. That will be a better flavor of what you’ll do in a PhD. Even if don’t understand everything in cutting edge research articles, you’ll be able to get a sense for how problems are discussed and debated, which will be a clue as to whether or not its a field you’re excited by. (Maybe start here, or here)
Good luck!
Thanks for the advice, Kevin!