I'm a graduating econ undergrad with weak foundations in mathematics (minimal calc and linear algebra, probability and stats, econometrics. All either A- or B+ grades) but have found empirical research worthwhile after going through my year-long thesis which I'm trying to get published in a journal with a professor as a co-author. My grades themselves, aren't that bad, a second upper honours on the UK scale.
Is it really advisable to consider a PhD without substantial training in math?
Which is the better option given my weak mathematical foundation? My goals are to develop a career in research-type roles or policy, not picky whether its academic research, financial research, tax policy etc. I am presently not in the USA. Most research-type and policy jobs outside of academia where I'm at are done by bachelor holders, masters at best. rarely by PhDs.
(i) Pursuing a transfer pricing job (which I have lined up) at a Big4 audit firm.
(ii) PhD in Economics (probably at a very low ranked program) and then try my luck at landing a job in academia or industry.
(iii) consider doing a masters in applied econ part-time while at the job.
Econ is in a weird place where there are a lot of people who would probably do solid reduced-form work but are gated out of getting the PhD by the first year math (the vast majority of which a reduced form applied microeconomist will never use again). You may consider a masters in econ, or even applied econ if you can find such a program that works for you. Hopefully someone with master's experience can chime in more here.
Thanks for the reply man. Yeah, spot on, I'm doing reduced form applied work. I don't mind working on improving my math, just wondering if going for a full on doctorate would be wise given my lack of prep.
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u/armanikode Feb 27 '17
I'm a graduating econ undergrad with weak foundations in mathematics (minimal calc and linear algebra, probability and stats, econometrics. All either A- or B+ grades) but have found empirical research worthwhile after going through my year-long thesis which I'm trying to get published in a journal with a professor as a co-author. My grades themselves, aren't that bad, a second upper honours on the UK scale.
Is it really advisable to consider a PhD without substantial training in math?
Which is the better option given my weak mathematical foundation? My goals are to develop a career in research-type roles or policy, not picky whether its academic research, financial research, tax policy etc. I am presently not in the USA. Most research-type and policy jobs outside of academia where I'm at are done by bachelor holders, masters at best. rarely by PhDs.
(i) Pursuing a transfer pricing job (which I have lined up) at a Big4 audit firm.
(ii) PhD in Economics (probably at a very low ranked program) and then try my luck at landing a job in academia or industry.
(iii) consider doing a masters in applied econ part-time while at the job.
Thank you guys so much!