Hi!
I’m based in Dublin and I’m a regular attendee of Effective Altruism meetups here. I recently graduated with a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Trinity College Dublin. I’m now doing a Master’s in Economics and Data Analytics in UCD, which I am due to complete in 2025.
For the foreseeable future I am focused on maximising career capital, and I will most likely work in the private sector for a while. Eventually I would love to influence government policy, by working for government directly or for a relevant think tank.
Longtermism, global development and psychedelics are the topics which are closest to my heart.
Hi, and thanks for doing this!
I’m curious what your perspective is on the value of economics as a major for those who don’t wish to pursue a PhD? In particular I’m curious about the following excerpt on choosing a major from https://80000hours.org/articles/college-advice/
“Putting all this together, and holding all else equal:
We think it’s reasonable to aim for the most fundamental, quantitative option you can do, i.e. one of these in the following order: mathematics, economics, computer science, physics, engineering, political science/chemistry/biology (the last three are roughly equal).”
Personally I would’ve considered computer science, physics and engineering to be more quantitive than economics. Also in my experience these are considered harder majors as well, thus sending a stronger signal to employers.
(Disclaimer: I am studying economics myself, so perhaps I’m looking for some reassurance :))