Have you studied Economics?

Ekancone

If so, what line of work did you end up in. Im in my final year of my Economics degree and i wondering what to do next. Thanks.

Hitchhiker's Guide to...

I'm a lecturer. But a lot of my friends went into government agencies e.g. Forfas, ESRI, CBI, Bord Bainne. There are tonnes of government agencies that want good trainee economists

Ekancone

Roundtower2 wrote:

I'm a lecturer. But a lot of my friends went into government agencies e.g. Forfas, ESRI, CBI, Bord Bainne. There are tonnes of government agencies that want good trainee economists

Nice one, any more you can think of add them in.

Hitchhiker's Guide to...

any of the financial regulators, economic consultancies e.g. Indecon

Also the masters in economics in TCD has a good reputation, or the DCU investment and treasury masters, or some of the tougher Smurfit masters in finance.

Places like Lancaster and Stirling (to only name two) have some great masters in applied economics.

Ekancone

Roundtower2 wrote:

any of the financial regulators, economic consultancies e.g. Indecon

Also the masters in economics in TCD has a good reputation, or the DCU investment and treasury masters, or some of the tougher Smurfit masters in finance.

Places like Lancaster and Stirling (to only name two) have some great masters in applied economics.

Is the masters in TCD hard to get, i got an average of 70% last year (80% quants), i could push that up to 75%+ this year with a bit more effort.

pwee

You might be surprised to know that maynooth has a very good economics dept. But if your after something job focused then maybe ucd/tcd can be quite good, dcu also. What areas do you want to get into? Then maybe we could point you in the right direction.

Nice grades by the way, where are u studying at the moment?

Ekancone

pwee wrote:

You might be surprised to know that maynooth has a very good economics dept. But if your after something job focused then maybe ucd/tcd can be quite good, dcu also. What areas do you want to get into? Then maybe we could point you in the right direction.

Nice grades by the way, where are u studying at the moment?

UCC, thanks by the way! Im really into Macroeconomics, so i would love to end up working for an institution that plays a part in shaping/influencing public policy. I quite like the growth/development area of economics, but i wouldnt say im exclusively looking into that area. The whole central banking, interest rates, inflation, money supply rubix puzzle is a source of amazement for me, im following current proceedings in the news like a sports fan. I wouldnt really be interested in the business side of things, working for Ernst & Young, etc. I spent a lot of time studying last year and very little researching what career i could possibly do so thats what im attempting to do now.

HAPPYGIRL

I did a business studies degree with a major in economics and finance. Then i did an economics masters but i've ended up working in finance.

From what you say interests you, maybe think about doing a financial masters. You'll have no problems getting into one, your grades are better than mine ever were!.
The masters in finance and capital markets in dcu is a great crossover masters, lots of econometrics involved.
Best of luck!

Ekancone

HAPPYGIRL wrote:

I did a business studies degree with a major in economics and finance. Then i did an economics masters but i've ended up working in finance.

From what you say interests you, maybe think about doing a financial masters. You'll have no problems getting into one, your grades are better than mine ever were!.
The masters in finance and capital markets in dcu is a great crossover masters, lots of econometrics involved.
Best of luck!

Thanks for the advice!

pwee

I'm not sure if a financial masters would suit you if you don't want to work in business. Okay from your interests it might point you towards international finance but at ma level international finance is really an extension of econometrics. Also an ma is in my mind a maths course. Micro is pure maths so you better like calculus. Macro is all derived from equations but can be explained in words also.

Do a masters where you will feel comfortable in the enviornment and also supported by the department.

Ekancone

pwee wrote:

I'm not sure if a financial masters would suit you if you don't want to work in business. Okay from your interests it might point you towards international finance but at ma level international finance is really an extension of econometrics. Also an ma is in my mind a maths course. Micro is pure maths so you better like calculus. Macro is all derived from equations but can be explained in words also.

Do a masters where you will feel comfortable in the enviornment and also supported by the department.

Thanks, im comfortable with maths so that should be no problem. I have an eye on the Development Economics Msc at Bath University as they seem to have links to national/international institutions and i have heard good things about the course.

JSK 252

Im in 5th year and doing it as an extra subject for the leaving.

Im very qualified.;)

Pythia

I did Economics and Finance in UCD and am now a credit risk analyst in a bank.
It's quite related to Econometrics.

DiscoHugh

I did Eco (and Spanish) in UCD. I ended up not electing econometrics but I wish I did as it turned out that finals papers were virtually identical year in year out (lazy professor I guess) so all my mates who were averaging 50s in every other subject were getting 80s and 85s in econometrics by virtue of learning off pages and pages of formulae which meant nothing to them.(one of my friends even drew a blank at a certain stage and asked the prof to fill in that particular blank!!)

I was pretty pissed off for letting that one slip by!

Anyways if you re looking for a masters in Development Economics, Oxford university has one that s very highly regarded (well it is Oxford after all!)

http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/postgraduate/caz/econ.shtml

Ive been thinking about doing that one myself....but the idea of helping those less fortunate than me goes against everything I believe in


So keep the ideas coming as it s been 2 years and I still dont know what to do with myself!

Princess Helen

Hi,

I studied economics at undergrad level and I left it to do a masters in Social Policy as I thought this area interested me more - I did have a background in social science also. I'm finding that while I love the policy area, my own ideas just don't agree completely with what I'm hearing and think that I may need to return to economics.

i was researching some part time courses and realise that there is alot of crossover in research methods and some theory. has anyone studied a good part time course that has a strong maths emphasis on research as these are the skills I'd most like to improve. The ERSI really appeals to me employment wise and I think if I got onto a masters part time in this area I'd have a good chance with my social policy background.

I'm prepared for the cost, I've decided I'm not doing a phd just yet altough I'd like to in the future. Anyways i've ranted enough.... any advice would be gratefully appreciated!!!

H

carmo85

Hi guys, I just stumbled upon this thread by accident but it seems really interesting.I have kiust finished my degree in Economics and Sociology from UL. I have always been really interested in doing something with Development Economics, for like the previous guy, the idea of being able to indirectly those less fortunate than I, and make a living (and travel) is one that really appeals to me.

I once met a guy who was running an organisation that bidded for contracts from World development institutions, sich as the WTO. Then once the contract was theirs, they would assemble a cast of economists,solicitors, engineers, accountants etc to carry this out.A prime example of this would be to build a road or na airport in a developing nation. This is what I want to do.

I am maybe assuming incorrectly that this would be covered with a masters in Dev econ, please correct me if this is not so. I am taking a year out in Australia as of next March and after that I will want to start looking for this kind of a career.Has anyone any advice for me in doing this? I am fascinated with the msc in Oxford but this may not be realistic for I missed my 1.1degree by some 5%. GRR!!! Thanks.

Tricity Bendix

carmo85 wrote: »

Hi guys, I just stumbled upon this thread by accident but it seems really interesting.I have kiust finished my degree in Economics and Sociology from UL. I have always been really interested in doing something with Development Economics, for like the previous guy, the idea of being able to indirectly those less fortunate than I, and make a living (and travel) is one that really appeals to me.

I once met a guy who was running an organisation that bidded for contracts from World development institutions, sich as the WTO. Then once the contract was theirs, they would assemble a cast of economists,solicitors, engineers, accountants etc to carry this out.A prime example of this would be to build a road or na airport in a developing nation. This is what I want to do.

I am maybe assuming incorrectly that this would be covered with a masters in Dev econ, please correct me if this is not so. I am taking a year out in Australia as of next March and after that I will want to start looking for this kind of a career.Has anyone any advice for me in doing this? I am fascinated with the msc in Oxford but this may not be realistic for I missed my 1.1degree by some 5%. GRR!!! Thanks.

I can tell ya that my brother did a mansters in development studies in UCD and that every single person who completed the course found it extremely difficult to find work afterwards. In fact, I can only think of one of them who ended up getting a development-related job. It isn't an easy business to get into. If this is really what you want to do, I'd consider taking a year out to do voluntary work.

carmo85

Good point. Is there any middle ground then? A masters that is aimed at helping others but is based on a solid job market. The problem with volunteering is that it will not be what I want to do. I want to help in a completely indirect way, ie behind the scenes of setting up planning for a new hospital. Is there such a volunteer placement? When I think of volunteering all I can imagine os the more traditional direct volunteering.

Économiste Monétaire

Do a general masters in economics, then you could apply for the Oxford Development Masters. I'd advise against going too specialised too early, you can always take a development economics module as a field course during a general masters. After that, decide what you want to do with your life.

This might be useful if you're interested in working in development http://www.odi.org.uk/fellows/

Development attracts way more people than it is capable of employing, be wary of burning bridges.

carmo85

General economics masters, Great advice, thanks. Is there some postgrad placements that are held in higher esteem than others? I don't mind working myself to the bone if it means having more opportunities. I am open to both Ireland and abroad.

PS: Really appreciate this help!

http://www.econphd.net/rankings.htm

I'd guess Trinity has the best name abroad. Must people I've encountered while studying abroad have only heard of TCD. That also probably has something to do with it's status a tourist attraction.

Those are old though.

Glad to see where I am is within the top 40 of the world!

Top 15 for Macro!

carmo85

It's been a while since I updated my status regarding this thread. So, I am still interested in Development and Economics. This masters in Galway looks interesting. I hope it would have good job prospects as it's not too bent towards Development.

Ì will more than likely need a maintenance grant for the masters. I called my local county council today and they reckon I should qualify for it next September (pending on qualification specifications not changing).

In the mean time I am looking at learning a language and/or volunteering. I am thinking about teaching English in somewhere like Ecuador and kill all three birds with the one stone. Unfortunately, as ever, there are draw backs. It's expensive to get there and it's a 12 month contract and my masters will start in Sept. I wonder if it's common to break contracts in these kinds of positions.

If anyone can add to this predicament, I'd be greatly appreciative.

Paul.

Flamed Diving

LOL! What has the last bit got to do with Economics?

Anyway, you leaving the country for a year will change your current circumstances, won't it? Other than that, I have no advice for you. Isn't there a volunteering forum on boards? Maybe try there.

buck65

Well as we're talking about education and economics, I am studying Financial Management (DIP) through the ACCA part time at the moment and find it interesting, are there any similar courses in Economics available? Not really needed for my work as I am in business management but am very interested in getting a good basis in economics.

Économiste Monétaire

buck65 wrote: »

Well as we're talking about education and economics, I am studying Financial Management (DIP) through the ACCA part time at the moment and find it interesting, are there any similar courses in Economics available? Not really needed for my work as I am in business management but am very interested in getting a good basis in economics.

Not a deliberately vexatious remark, but have you considered financial economics?

EI111

Hi,
I'm currently doing a masters in economics in Amsterdam. Holland is a great place to do a masters imo. It's cheap (1600 euro tuition) and there is a great way of life. It is a big step up in difficulty for me from degree level as my degree was more finance than economics. It doesn't help that they carry out courses in 7 week blocks with finals at the end of 7 weeks, as it leaves very little time to catch up if you fall behind at all. The good thing is that you are given many chances to repeat- some exams can be retaken 3 times a year.
I'm not sure how much tuition is in Ireland (about 6k I am guessing) so it makes sense to me to be here as I was on a tight budget. There is also a grant available to any EU student who works 32 hours a month of 260 euro plus free travel.
A wide range of courses are available also and the internship office is supposed to be good (haven't got around to that yet). You are free to take as long as you want to complete your masters although you have to pay the tuition for each extra 7 week block or quarter which works out about 400 euro per quarter.
You should look into it if you are thinking of doing further study.

Time Magazine

EI111 wrote: »

Hi,
I'm currently doing a masters in economics in Amsterdam. Holland is a great place to do a masters imo. It's cheap (1600 euro tuition) and there is a great way of life. It is a big step up in difficulty for me from degree level as my degree was more finance than economics. It doesn't help that they carry out courses in 7 week blocks with finals at the end of 7 weeks, as it leaves very little time to catch up if you fall behind at all. The good thing is that you are given many chances to repeat- some exams can be retaken 3 times a year.
I'm not sure how much tuition is in Ireland (about 6k I am guessing) so it makes sense to me to be here as I was on a tight budget. There is also a grant available to any EU student who works 32 hours a month of 260 euro plus free travel.
A wide range of courses are available also and the internship office is supposed to be good (haven't got around to that yet). You are free to take as long as you want to complete your masters although you have to pay the tuition for each extra 7 week block or quarter which works out about 400 euro per quarter.
You should look into it if you are thinking of doing further study.

Very decent deal, that.

Another good one is Toulouse. Very micro-orientated, but absolutely world class at it. Although there aren't grants available, the fees for the masters there clock in at the rather reasonable €250.

EI111

It really is a good deal. You should see the public library as well, it's almost unbelievable and membership is 15 euro a year.

carmo85

Both Toulouse and Amsterdam seem great. I will look into it in greater detail when I get a bit more time.

As regards what my volunteering has to do with economics? Well, nothing of course but I did also state numerous times that I wanted to get into Development and for that you ideally would need volunteering experience and a second language. I said that already though.

This is all great info. Keep up the good work and thanks.

Flamed Diving

Who told you that you need this to get into Development Economics?

carmo85

Where do I start? I've pretty much so contacted nearly every Irish aid agency, NGO and relevant field professional about getting into a position that allows me to practice my skills (mainly import and export promotion/ trade development). From the large body of replies I have got, and also from my own research, I have two main options:

• Do a masters in the field and then apply for an internship/volunteer position.
• Volunteer and get some experience and then move from there if possible.

I will most likely need both of the above but I would like to volunteer first just to make sure that it is for me.

Flamed Diving

Ok, fair enough. You might be interested in this guys work:

http://www.pedrovicente.org/Fieldwork/fieldwork.htm

It might give you an idea of what economists do, in this type of field.

nesf

Time Magazine wrote: »

Very decent deal, that.

Another good one is Toulouse. Very micro-orientated, but absolutely world class at it. Although there aren't grants available, the fees for the masters there clock in at the rather reasonable €250.

But like Micro.. Ewh...

In all seriousness though, wouldn't you want to be fluent in French? French universities from what I've heard tend towards being fairly mono-lingual affairs though it might be different in Economics departments.

Time Magazine

nesf wrote: »

In all seriousness though, wouldn't you want to be fluent in French? French universities from what I've heard tend towards being fairly mono-lingual affairs though it might be different in Economics departments.

Nah, the department conducts its business through English. Which is an excellent idea.

You'd probably want some French to be able to buy bread, though so the dept runs night classes for international students.

nesf

nesf wrote: »

But like Micro.. Ewh...

In all seriousness though, wouldn't you want to be fluent in French? French universities from what I've heard tend towards being fairly mono-lingual affairs though it might be different in Economics departments.

Most of the big European programs run the MSc / PhD courses in English. Makes them more marketable I guess.

I ran into an American lecturer who taught economics in Austria for 4 year and didn't pick up one word of German.

Poor_old_gill

EI111 wrote: »

Hi,
I'm currently doing a masters in economics in Amsterdam. Holland is a great place to do a masters imo. It's cheap (1600 euro tuition) and there is a great way of life. It is a big step up in difficulty for me from degree level as my degree was more finance than economics. It doesn't help that they carry out courses in 7 week blocks with finals at the end of 7 weeks, as it leaves very little time to catch up if you fall behind at all. The good thing is that you are given many chances to repeat- some exams can be retaken 3 times a year.
I'm not sure how much tuition is in Ireland (about 6k I am guessing) so it makes sense to me to be here as I was on a tight budget. There is also a grant available to any EU student who works 32 hours a month of 260 euro plus free travel.
A wide range of courses are available also and the internship office is supposed to be good (haven't got around to that yet). You are free to take as long as you want to complete your masters although you have to pay the tuition for each extra 7 week block or quarter which works out about 400 euro per quarter.
You should look into it if you are thinking of doing further study.

Whats the name of the Uni??

Time Magazine

Time Magazine wrote: »

You'd probably want some French to be able to buy bread,

Ehh.. Un Cusine de France?

carmo85

Amsterdam eh? Sounds very nice. Few questions old Gill if you'd be so kind. The grant, is that related to your current job or is it when you find a job in Amsterdam? Secondly, how much money did you have with you when you headed over?

I think I would be able to get a maintenance grant from my local county council but if I could manage it, I would much rather study abroad.

Thanks,
Paul

Eoing008

Deleted User wrote: »

Ehh.. Un Cusine de France?

Hilarious! I've just discovered this thread and it's dead interesting in my eyes. I don't have much interest in Development Economics but I do have a keen interest to to the likes of Galbraith, Gladwell, Krugman and basically studying, predicting and thus reducing the extent if at all possible of recessions on Ireland and would love to help in doing just that. I have a B.A. in Economics from UCD which I finished in 2005, but my finals grades were poor due a health issue at the time. Does any of you guys know of a M.A. in Economics or anything related to Economics that would suit me to study? Like the Development Economics dude, I have no interest in becoming a budding Investment Banker(attempt at wit intended!)

Flamed Diving

Eoing008 wrote: »

Hilarious! I've just discovered this thread and it's dead interesting in my eyes. I don't have much interest in Development Economics but I do have a keen interest to to the likes of Galbraith, Gladwell, Krugman and basically studying, predicting and thus reducing the extent if at all possible of recessions on Ireland and would love to help in doing just that. I have a B.A. in Economics from UCD which I finished in 2005, but my finals grades were poor due a health issue at the time. Does any of you guys know of a M.A. in Economics or anything related to Economics that would suit me to study? Like the Development Economics dude, I have no interest in becoming a budding Investment Banker(attempt at wit intended!)

The UCD MA is good, I would recommend it. It doesn't seem to be so insanely obsessed with mathematics as Trinity is, although the UCD course does require some ability with Maths to get through, as would practically all Economics masters.

EI111

Poor_old_gill wrote: »

Whats the name of the Uni??

Universiteit van Amsterdam

carmo85 wrote: »

Amsterdam eh? Sounds very nice. Few questions old Gill if you'd be so kind. The grant, is that related to your current job or is it when you find a job in Amsterdam? Secondly, how much money did you have with you when you headed over?

I think I would be able to get a maintenance grant from my local county council but if I could manage it, I would much rather study abroad.

Thanks,
Paul

Sorry hadn't noticed the replies.
Job is the one you get when you get here. Also the dutch government will give you a loan to pay tuition through ibgroep http://ib-groep.nl (same people who give the grant.
I had a decent amount and spent it very quickly partying, being too lazy to cook, cycle etc.
Definitely good place to come

patmar

Have a laymans interest in economics so not being a smartass when I ask would one of you like to start a thread suggesting solutions to our economic problems. Would be much appreciated

Flamed Diving

patmar wrote: »

Have a laymans interest in economics so not being a smartass when I ask would one of you like to start a thread suggesting solutions to our economic problems. Would be much appreciated

There's enough of that in the Irish Economy forum, to be fair. Although there are a few such threads if you scroll down and back some pages.