A day in the life of a PhD student in economics [2020]

[@the_causal_mindset]

What would you like to know on my PhD life?

[@arnoldwatson6513]

Which field did you do phd

[@JayanthiJaytruthoflife]

Hi there, thanks for the clip. I am pursuing the Ph.D. in Economics too and researching environmental degradation from the economic perspective. In case, you have done your analytical chapters, pls share some tips on results and discussion of findings. It will be very helpful.

[@the_causal_mindset]

@@arnoldwatson6513 Economics. I am more in Applied Micro. My thesis is composed by four chapters and called: Globalization: Damages and Benefits

[@the_causal_mindset]

@@JayanthiJaytruthoflife Great topic! Good luck for this long road! This is very hard to answer such an open questions. Writing is central! Some fascinating results are not well sold and end-up nowhere while not so fascinating results super well sold get well published. So, read a lot from the best researcher to get a feeling of how to write and what to include.

[@Sprinter_Yuvraj]

I am third year economic student and I want to know how many opportunities PhD in economics

[@ElTimotoQIK]

Thanks for this!! I'm an undergraduate economics student and I want to become a researcher. Is amazing how small is the economics community on KZbin compared to other disciplines, for that reason this video and your channel is gold.

[@the_causal_mindset]

Hey! Thanks a lot! I am sending my PhD thesis in two weeks and working hard on the COVID19 so not so much content those days but I am working on it! Cheers and all the best for your studies!

[@kirtirajlahiry8135]

I was gonna say the same thing. Real thanks for this video. ❤

[@the_causal_mindset]

@@kirtirajlahiry8135 Thanks! Looking forward talking about econ in the future! Cheers

[@siphokazileratomalinga2969]

Totally get you. I have found that some lecturers are a good 5 years old. The worst for me is realising how little job opportunities are available in developing countries and amazed how seriously developed countries take the discipline.

[@praefectusdepraetorio8480]

@ElTimotoQIK Are you still on that Track? How well are you doing out of curiosity?

[@EconJohnTutor]

Glad to see that there are other Academic Economics KZbinrs out there! Just Subbed!

[@the_causal_mindset]

Thanks! Nice channel! I've just checked yours. Cheers!

[@ogongosettlement6680]

Hi, I am doing PhD in economics...starting 2020.however I did perform very well as I expected in applied econometrics and mathematics techniques and programming... The problems not having manual solutions or relevant books to understand things as there was no time to study... Due to covid.... My topic is advantages and disadvantages of globalization and also interesting to do a research on overlapping generation model.

[@the_causal_mindset]

We share the same research interests!! (Here is my phd defense: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZaclZaJmp6jirc) Yes, now your books will be the literature and it s constantly evolving!

[@FemkeHuisman]

Very informative video! Currently I am a 2nd year student of Economics & Business Economics. Love to see this! Just did a research paper and very nice to get some more information and useful tips. Next year I'm going to have to do my final thesis already... Already thinking about some topics :)

[@the_causal_mindset]

All the best!!

[@mwambakapambwe2382]

Great work. I can relate on the joy of watching the “eureka” moment for students as you lecture. Priceless

[@kirtirajlahiry8135]

Thank you for this insightful vlog. No other person has given such a detailed view in an economists life. I myself am a Masters in Resource Economics. Hoping to do my PhD after the Corona pandemic. Thank you for inspiring. ❤

[@the_causal_mindset]

All the best for the PhD! I have my private defense tomorrow. It has been an incredible journey! Tough, but magical where I learned so much and also see how little I know actually! All the best

[@kirtirajlahiry8135]

@@the_causal_mindset Oh it's wonderful that you replied. ❤ Absolutely yes. There is so much more to learn. I really hope your defense went well. Fingers crossed🤞. Good luck 👍

[@the_causal_mindset]

@@kirtirajlahiry8135 Went great! Thanks for asking.

[@jashanlashkari9324]

this was so inspiring!! Im an undergrad in Econ and look forward to doing a PhD one day :)

[@guilhermeteixeira7095]

This channel is a piece of gold on KZbin.

[@funnycomplications4582]

we are a bit late though

[@guilhermeteixeira7095]

@@funnycomplications4582 Yeah, kind of... But it still gives us some idea and valuable insight.

[@the_causal_mindset]

Thanks a lot! It was a bit intense while finishing my phd to produce material. "Too late" you already achieved your phd? Check the latest video (new channel trailer), I show a few videos that I will upload soon and it s also a good summary of what there is to watch also.

[@guilhermeteixeira7095]

@@the_causal_mindset I think he said that about the fact the video is of 2020. No, I haven't got my PhD yet, not even my Master's degree yet. In fact, I'm still finishing my undergraduate degree, but I definitely want to move through. Thanks :)

[@the_causal_mindset]

Awesome! All the best on this path, do not hesitate to write me on linkedin for questions anyday. Cheers, q. I ve another video 2021 a day in the life as well (as a postdoc)

[@Immortal-Daiki]

Thanks for this great video! I’m an actually studying economics for my undergraduate degree. I also want to obtain my master’s and PhD in economics focusing on financial economics and industrial organisation. I learned a lot from this video. I hope to read your research

[@the_causal_mindset]

Thanks! All the best on this exciting path! Looking forward hearing about your journey. And there s more (a day in the life of a post doc : kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4PTkn2LoJxsraM)

[@saw-mg1dx]

From the moment I heard your accent I thought "he could honestly be in Lausanne." Sure enough, UNIL-Chamberonne confirmed it! I did a semester exchange at UNIL for undergrad and loved it. Considered UNIL for a master's, but will probably stay in the U.S. for a PhD. Best wishes!

[@the_causal_mindset]

Ahah I will never be able to hide that my origin. All the best on this though but fascinating road!!

[@Felix-gh3sx]

I would appreciate if you could make a video about reading, how much to read (many people say too much reading hurts), how to read efficiently, how to deal with key papers to really understand well etc.

[@the_causal_mindset]

You are not the first one to ask! I ll discuss with collegues and try to come.up with something. Might take a few while, I m busy to say the least :)

[@silasamo-agyei2789]

Great piece. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work!

[@nawakai4116]

Thank you, for sharing your life as an Econ Phd student with the world. I have the interest to take up graduate studies in eco and this piece of information is very useful to me.

[@the_causal_mindset]

All the best on that path! I just defended my phd thesis today and this advanture was absolutely amazing. And actually just the first step of something bigger.

[@debarghyaroy4042]

at 2:28 min of the video, was that the same question from Good Will Hunting?

[@the_causal_mindset]

Good catch! Haha That was just for fun actually, but yes! How do you know that?

[@Mat-mt8pk]

Thank you for the informative video. What is the music playing at 0:24

[@the_causal_mindset]

It's called Liberate I think. I got this on Premium Beat.com

[@Upsidestrength]

Great little insight in your life and your work! Great edits. Looking forward to the next one!

[@the_causal_mindset]

Thanks! This is the beggning of a vlog! I am going to a major applied AI conf next week and do a video on that. Among other thing: how AI is used to help the allocation of refugees.

[@milankhronotime12]

Thanks for this vid ! I just get into Msc finance program at EDHEC and I'm really interested about PHD program for later. Your channel is really cool

[@the_causal_mindset]

All the best for your master! Enjoy the ride!

[@mehedihasan-ui6qt]

Thanks for showing us your day.

[@awelek4376]

Wow man! i'm in love with your discipline. I'm a researcher myself. All the best to you.

[@the_causal_mindset]

Thanks! What are you doing?!

[@noukhollands]

Im 17 and i only just found out my mom is a doctoral student in economics (i didnt know you could be doctor in that) and officially she should be adressed as (translated from dutch to english) the well-learned lady

[@the_causal_mindset]

Sounds pretty epic!!

[@nshimiyimanacallixte6015]

Wow! What an amazing channel🙌🏾

[@the_causal_mindset]

Thank you very much!! At the moment I ve tons of work but I ve plenty of interesting content coming (just did my tedx last Friday, I LL post the link soon).

[@arashrayhan2337]

Love the effort and the video ❤️ Just subbed

[@the_causal_mindset]

Thanks! Cheers from Switzerland!

[@Shina822]

I want to know how much maths is involved in phd economics

[@the_causal_mindset]

A lot :). You usually have to have a perfect score on the GRE (math part) to get in. And then, during doctoral school you focus on advanced method in macroeconomics, microeconomics and econometrics almost exclusively from a theoretical perspective (so just math). On one hand, this is a lot, but on the other it's not that fancy. In the end, you just have to be good at doing derivative (optimization), integrating, and feel confident in linear algebra to work with matrix etc. Compared to many field it's very high level but not compared to engineering or a PhD in math

[@asmazainab4255]

Hi i want to get phd in economics i just change my major to BS economics and will be graduating in 2023 and what other degree i needed to get phd

[@the_causal_mindset]

In short, a master in economics :). Tomorrow or Wednesday this week I LL post a video on how to apply for a PhD in economics. It might have all your answeres

[@asmazainab4255]

Thank you

[@economicsanity2895]

How does network relate to economics?

[@the_causal_mindset]

It s a whole field of research : Social and Economic Network Theory. I used it in several papers. In a first work, we study the natural gas pipeline network and how countries aim to control central positions. Network theory is used to define centrality and assess the relationship between the countries. We use our model to predict interstate dispute (let me know if you want to know more, we have a video where we present it during a seminar). Can t talk yet about the others. Cheers!

[@Mgggggggggggggggggggggg]

such an inspiring video!

[@the_causal_mindset]

Thanks! More to come soon (if I manage!)!

[@matiascacereshabit]

Really good video. Greetings from Chile.

[@the_causal_mindset]

Thanks! Cheers from Switzerland!

[@kennyblair7311]

I believe a beneficial bill in economics for our Congressman is to award all employers, employees, self employed, government employees and military personnel between $200,000 and $2 million in a lump sum after 110 months of full time work, part time work included in the total, regardless of the number of employers worked for, for the citizens business start - up or already existing business. The dollar amount will be determined by the size and scope of the business. The citizen must spend at least 65% of funds allotted on their business or business related items. This is earned and is a Grant, not a loan. Also a bill for Congress limiting total taxation of the citizen to 9% across the board.

[@marianazeer6518]

I so want to cry rn cz I studied Economics for 4 years, had some gap years, and now I feel like I know nothing. Also, I'd be nice here to acknowledge that I'm impressed by how you're replying to every single comment despite having a busy schedule. That's really kind of you! Also, can you pls share your LinkedIn? Thnx!

[@the_causal_mindset]

Indeed, I just care waaaay too much about what we are doing here, about teaching and sharing. Here is my LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/quentin-gallea-74641b56 But you know what?last week I ve started also an instagram and a tiktok page: @stats_with_quentin Cheers!!

[@melvinmelvin3206]

Hi, thank you for a great video! I would like to ask if there is any advice like books, papers, etc. for a novice in Economics but would like to pursue a career in Macroeconomic research?

[@the_causal_mindset]

Hey. I am not into macro, but I can ask collegues. First, 2 questions. 1. What do you mean by novice (Bsc, Msc, something else)? 2. What are you looking for more precisely (personnal interest, topics, preparation for a phd)?

[@melvinmelvin3206]

@@the_causal_mindset - Hi there, thanks for your reply. I do not have any BSc or MSc in Economics but in Engineering. I am interested in learning more about economic research especially in Macroeconomic Forecast, Sovereign Risk, Central Bank, Monetary Policy and Policy Modeling and I enjoy reading books by Abhijeet and Esther Duflo and also Rob Shiller. I am going to take MSc Finance and would like to do some research in which involves Economics as well.

[@the_causal_mindset]

@@melvinmelvin3206 Hey Melvin, I don't receive the notification... I never see the message, sorry. Sounds great! A background in Engineering is usually great, you are strong in math! You can aquire the rest more easily! Unfortunatly, I'am not in macro at all. But I can ask to colleague in macro. Cheers

[@stoppingpower8948]

Amazing video 👍

[@kennyblair7311]

A good bill for our U.S. Congressman is to mandate U.S. Banks to pay their depositers at least 85% of all interest collected, according to each account balance per- quarter (3 month period), because it was the depositers money that was loaned out to begin with. Also outlaw Homeowner property tax and the land that it's on.

[@gabbihoopes5337]

this schedule is kind of similar to an LDS missionary’s schedule, very interesting

[@the_causal_mindset]

Not sure what does it mean. But okay :)

[@ishanrai8090]

Hi! I'm an economics + CS undergrad in a tier 1 Indian Institute, currently in my 3rd year. I wanted to get an idea of research and how it is done so I have done projects with my professors in Transport and Energy economics. I wanted to do more serious work though and was thinking of applying for summer internships next year at foreign ( Mostly European ) universities by mailing professors. Is it common for professors to accept these requests in economics? I wanted to have the view of someone like yourself. I'd say it's fairly common in CS but I'm not sure about economics. Please reply if you can.

[@the_causal_mindset]

Awesome background! CS is super useful for research! For example web scraping would be a key asset! For a RA job follow 1. Check twitter.com/econ_ra That's where good pre-doc post are posted. You can also directly contact prof that you like and send a spontaneous application for an RA job Yes people.look for RA in EU or US but it might be super difficult to hire you due to regulations mainly during this covid situation... I was in the process of hiring RA for Zürich in Switzerland and it was impossible to hire non-EU... very sad. All the best!!! Cheers

[@ishanrai8090]

@@the_causal_mindset Really thanks for the reply! I should have specified that I'll be looking for internships for next summer. Hopefully, things would be better by then. I'll keep the Twitter link handy. If we remove covid from the equation, then are there any further restrictions on hiring Non-EU students ? I know this may be a very generalized question, but please answer if you can, I promise it'll be the last one XD

[@the_causal_mindset]

@@ishanrai8090 no worries. Honestly, I've no educated idea. It was really just for RA within an uni. I've no clue if that's a general issue and if it's only due to covid. All the best!! cheers

[@ishanrai8090]

@@the_causal_mindset Thanks a lot for clearing that!

[@MisalPohe]

Hi im from india, can you please tell me what is the procedure of admission of phd in economics

[@the_causal_mindset]

It varies so much from university or even with uni from one department to another. However, I could answer for my case in Economics in the University of Lausanne. We had to submit a research proposal (showing that we know stuff and that we have a precise plan). Of course, I also send a CV and grades. Grades are important to signal that you are a tough worker. I have no clue of threshold but I guess that higher than 5.5/6 was expected and maybe from 5/6 it's possible to enter if the rest is great. Finally, a good thing was to have the GRE first. The GRE is a standardized math test given everywhere in the world and you need to be in the top 5% to enter our doctoral school. So, this was also useful and a bit of work. Do not hesitate if you have further questions! Cheers from Switzerland!

[@MisalPohe]

@@the_causal_mindset hi thank you for your reply. I have done graduation in commerce and im working in TCS in finance dept from last 10 years. Always wanted to be a economist. Next year im shifing USA with my fiance. Could you please help how should i start over there

[@the_causal_mindset]

@@MisalPohe Everything is so specific. But, I guess that contacting specific universities in your area (in the US) to know the requirement to enter would be the right way to start. Hope this helps

[@akashsinha9924]

Can you advice on how much mathematics should I take before applying for phd?

[@the_causal_mindset]

It might be variable. The first thing is that a top score in the GRE for the math part is usually a necessity ( I LL post a video in Tuesday 12 October on how to apply for a PhD in econ). Then you must be confident with derivation and integrals, optimization and optimization under constraint (Lagrangian), linear algebra is also needed (playing with vector and matrix, basic operations, transpose, invert). Then, you usually must know a ton on statistics, descriptive statistics but mostly inferential and mainly multiple linear regression. what differentiaite the most economics from other field of research is the importance of causality. So you must understand endogeneity issues (reverse causality, omitted variable bias and non classical measurement errors) and how to fix those: instrumental variable, diff in diff, fixed effects model, etc. Hope it helps. Let me know if you have further questions

[@kumkumsharmasaund8776]

Hello .. I want to do phd in economics. Can you pls guide me like how should I start and what should I include in thesis and how I can invent my new idea or topic .

[@the_causal_mindset]

Awesome!! Few infos first. What is your background (master in econ already)? When and where would youblike to apply? What do you want to do next (ngos, public sector, academia)?

[@kumkumsharmasaund8776]

Well I have completed my masters in economics . I don’t know in which field I should do ? I’m confused and no idea about phd.

[@kumkumsharmasaund8776]

And from india ... I want apply in foreign country.

[@the_causal_mindset]

Great! So you are close to the last step, application. Now, the first thing wiuld be to identify places where you would be able to move. In Europe, top econ uni are LSE, Bocconi, PSE, of course University of Zurich and Lausanne where I work! The advantage of Switzerland land is that the salary as a PhD is comfortable, the quality of life great and the institutions amazing. Once you havr identified uni and phd programs, and know what you need to apply, contact me on linked in.

[@ПетарВићентић]

Do you need strong math background for phd in economics, and to be researcher?

[@the_causal_mindset]

Depends what you mean by strong. No need for a bachelor in mathematics (would be useful though). But, yes, you need to be good and knowledgeable (and enjoy) math. Even if for your research you might use it less (depending on thr topic) you need to understand theoretical models and econometrics and be able to read advanced book in econometrics. Also, you might be asked to pass the GRE and to obtain a top score for the math part (top 5 percentile). However, note that the GRE, is not very hard technically, you juts need to train a lot to do simple math with a lot of traps in a record time.

[@yydd4954]

I love economics!!

[@the_causal_mindset]

Me too!! Cheers!

[@Septumsempra8818]

Oh snap I built a model like this for deforestation!

[@the_causal_mindset]

What do you mean? A OLG for deforestation or a ILA?

[@theecon867]

as a freshman undergrad do you have any advice for getting into a Ph.D. program?? ( I want to apply in the US so I don't need a master's.

[@the_causal_mindset]

So honestly, I ve never heard positions for a PhD without a master. Given what I learned in my master, I would have been unable to do my PhD without my master. That being said, here are a few advices. Usually to apply you need 1. Good grades, 2. Recommendation letters, 3. CV, 4. Top score for the GRE math part, 5 research proposal. All of those are important. So, work on the good grades. While you approach the PhD, experience in research is super usual (job as an RA, check the Twitter account twitter.com/econ_ra ). This will also allows you to get a good recommendation letter from a good prof. So try to aim for prof with good publication record. Get a perfect score for the GRE math if needed for your phd but thats usually the case. And when I say perfect, it s perfect 100%. Prepare in advance your research proposal, show that you know the literature and understand the hot topics as well as the key technical elements (causality and identification strategy for example). Then, clean Latex CV and Latex doc will make a good impression and show that you know that stuff. Good knowledge in statistical software is required (STATA/R), and in other language is a good addition (Python).

[@theecon867]

@@the_causal_mindset thank you

[@Fil-tn4zv]

Vive la connaissance

[@qasemtv1737]

Economics is my major, but trust me the Maths at the Masters level like Advanced Econometrics, Advanced Micro and Macroeconomics isn't for the faint Hearted trust me!! Just stop at Bsc if u don't love Statistics and Maths!! 😅

[@SamOwen55]

One of the main reasons for me not considering going for my PhD thus far is that it seems to me there is a political bias within many organisations and especially when considering the type of topic you are allowed to research. Have you found this ? I would consider myself to be of the Austrian School and my personal politics is that of very small state, and very minimal taxation - would someone like me even be welcome ? An example - while i agree climate change is an issue, the idea of a carbon tax i find to me morally reprehensible - I suspect my views in this regard would be frowned upon and i would not get far, the liberals are quite anti diversity when it comes to ideas.

[@the_causal_mindset]

Thanks for sharing! Honestly, I've worked only on the most politically sensitive questions, decided fully on my plan and nobody ever prevented me to do so. My topics: Weapons sales and internal conflicts, gas pipelines and interstate wars, maritime trade and local conflicts, lockdown and covid, and now I'm on renewable energies.

[@Sprinter_Yuvraj]

My friend can you have scholarship in PhD program

[@the_causal_mindset]

I am quite sure yes! In most of the world, a PhD is a job, your are paid for that.

[@Sprinter_Yuvraj]

@@the_causal_mindset thankyou

[@blairkenneth7739]

A good economic bill for our Congressman is for Uncle Sam to award all citizens and perminant residents between $250,000 and $2.5 million in a lump sum anytime after 100 months of full time work, regardless of the number of employers worked for, for the citizens business start up or already existing business. The dollar amount issued will be determined by the size and scope of the business, plus work experience and any given amount of education. The citizen must spend at least 60% of funds allotted on their business or business related items. This is earned and is a Grant, not a loan. The printing and issuance of money is warranted and validated by any legitimate labor, production, goods and services for society. The Constitution says all men and woman are created equal. Contact your U.S. Congressman or Senator for an exceptional bill in Congress.

[@the_causal_mindset]

Welcome to the channel random us AI bot

[@chiefolk]

One thing i didn't understand how can anyone schedule a time for being creative

[@the_causal_mindset]

It s rather how I generally plan the day. You have repetitive tasks to do, you have stuff to read, you have code to produce but you also explore to find new ideas, solution to some problems and for those, I prefer to focus during the morning where myind seems better suited for that

[@sameepinspires2669]

Hey!!! I'm currently pursuing my MBA, and I am in my final year. I am from Nepal, and currently studying in Nepal itself. I want to do my PhD in Economics. So, would it be possible to connect with you on some other social media platform? It'd be great if you could guide me a little. Thanks. Sameep.

[@the_causal_mindset]

Hey sameep! Join me on LinkedIn and send me a message. Currently in sick leave and soon in paternal leave, so I might not be very reactive. Cheers!

[@mulle171]

how old are you?

[@the_causal_mindset]

31 :)

[@karishmakumawat4175]

@@the_causal_mindset really 😃

[@ghostofpast550]

As a economist can you solve problems in your research through means other than mathematics, like psychology, etc or is it just not accepted?

[@the_causal_mindset]

We will.mostly rely on mathematics. But math can represent human behaviour (in some abstract way, just to guide the reflexion). Game theory for example or even behavioural economics at the frontier with psycology (it s a very big field of research). But eventually, even scientific research in psycology will have math/statistics often.

[@ghostofpast550]

@@the_causal_mindset Thanks for the the reply. So basically what you are saying is psychology can be used to answer why the problem is but statistics and mathematics is needed to show what the problem is? For example students are being less productive in school because they are getting less sleep(a psychological reason) but to show that they are actually being less productive there is need to show statistical data.

[@ghostofpast550]

@@the_causal_mindset I would love if you make more videos about what economist research about as it would make economics more interesting in the eye of young learners like me.

[@the_causal_mindset]

Less sleep induce worse results. That s an hypothesis. Then, you need a statistical model and data to test that. Causality will be hard to claim (bad results increase the stress and then bad sleep (reverse Causality)).

[@ghostofpast550]

@@the_causal_mindset Again thanks for replying. Now it makes sense.

[@Sprinter_Yuvraj]

How scope of PhD in economics

[@the_causal_mindset]

Hey Sachin, not sure I understood the question. You wonder what is the scope of a PhD in econ or for my PhD in particular? Cheers

[@kumaraatram5625]

Super phd economoci so i like dish

[@the_causal_mindset]

Haha

[@Twitterbaba710]

Sorry bro it's very hard to understand wt u have to say

[@aryankumarprasad1574]

Love from india

[@the_causal_mindset]

Cheers from Swizerland!!

[@victor256in]

Economists are knowledgeable about everything in the universe, and accountable for nothing that they predict. I have much more respect for accountants and industry leaders with a bachelors degree or less.

[@the_causal_mindset]

At least we are knowledgeable *escape with pirate of Caribbean music in the BG*