Department Welcomes 27 New Ph.D. Students

04 August 2016 11:28AM

As summer winds down, things here at the Department of Economics are just getting started. On Monday the Social Sciences Building opened its doors to the first batch of incoming Blue Devils: 27 Ph.D. students.

This particular cohort is the largest since 2006, when 30 students were admitted. The five women and 22 men hail from countries all over the world, including Argentina, Armenia, Brazil, Canada Chile, China, Hungary, Pakistan, Russia, South Korea, Thailand, and the United States. In total, the department received 728 applications for 2016 admission.

As preparation for the core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, the students will be immersed in math camp — officially known as ECON 700 Mathematics for Economists — a three-week-long intensive course in basic real analysis, linear algebra, optimization, probability, and a brief introduction to Bellman equations. 

Department Chair Craig Burnside officially welcomed the group on behalf of the faculty, giving them insight into the notoriously challenging first year and advice for how to best prepare for it. Burnside urged students to “work really hard” and to seek help from professors when they need it. “We want you to succeed,” he said. The macroeconomist also stressed the importance of building relationships with peers and setting aside time to relax, citing his love for cycling as an effective way to alleviate stress.

Rising fifth years Catherine Moon and Andrew Steck reinforced those points when asked what advice they would give to the new students.

“Sometimes it might be possible to pass the first-year courses — and maybe even do well in them — without actually understanding the materials, but understanding them now will save a lot of time for you in the future, regardless of what field you decide to be in,” Moon said. “But more than that, make sure you take breaks or have something fun to do!”

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions or for help; be sure to use your fellow grad students as a resource; cultivate an interest outside of academic work for balance; after the first year, attend seminars and generally be an engaged citizen of the department,” Steck recommended.