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Michael, Assistant Professor at University of California Riverside: Advize Career Interview

A career pivot from history to economics led to a fulfilling path for this University of California, Riverside Assistant Professor.

The role combines rigorous economic and policy research with undergraduate and PhD-level teaching in labor economics, culminating in the creation of a labor center.

A typical day varies greatly, balancing statistical research, lecture preparation, student interaction, and conference travel.

Success requires strong communication, data analysis expertise, and self-motivation, while the greatest challenge lies in the demanding publication process.

The most rewarding aspects include student mentorship and the freedom to pursue personally relevant research, particularly focusing on effective policy tools for improving education.

Aspiring professionals should cultivate curiosity, demonstrate genuine enthusiasm, and actively pursue opportunities such as internships or research assistantships involving statistical analysis, especially in fields like federal reserve banks or think tanks.

A strong mathematical foundation and proactive engagement in undergraduate studies are key to success in this exciting and impactful career.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Michael Bates

Assistant Professor

University of California Riverside

University of Michigan

History & Economics Michigan State University, (PhD) "Michael Bates has over 6 years of experience in policy research, advising, and teaching across in the areas of labor economics, education, and econometrics.

Economics, History, Art History

Education

Education

Honors Student, Worked 20+ Hours in School

Watch all of this Advizer's videos below

Career Path Of An Assistant Professor At University Of California Riverside

Michael's career path reflects a pivot from history to economics, driven by a desire to "evaluate policy and provide policy recommendations," leading to roles in Teach for America, a PhD focusing on the economics of education, and ultimately, a position as an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Riverside, a choice made after considering a prestigious position at the Brookings Institution.

Career Path Of An Assistant Professor At University Of California Riverside

Main Responsibilities of an Assistant Professor at University of California Riverside

Michael's main responsibilities as an Assistant Professor at UC Riverside encompass "economic and policy research," teaching labor economics at both undergraduate and PhD levels, and "service," currently involving the creation of a labor center to bridge researchers, students, and policymakers. This multifaceted role showcases a commitment to both academic scholarship and community engagement within the field of labor economics.

Main Responsibilities of an Assistant Professor at University of California Riverside

A Day in the Life of an Assistant Professor at University of California Riverside

Michael's workday as an Assistant Professor at UC Riverside varies greatly depending on the academic quarter; outside of teaching, "most of the time" is spent on "coding to do statistical research," while teaching involves "prepping lectures, meeting with students, and having office hours." The role also includes travel for conferences and seminars, offering a diverse and dynamic experience.

A Day in the Life of an Assistant Professor at University of California Riverside

Most Important Skills for an Assistant Professor at UC Riverside

Michael, an Assistant Professor at UC Riverside, highlights the crucial need for strong communication skills, "explaining difficult concepts...in a way that makes sense," alongside data analysis expertise and programming proficiency in the research aspect of the role. The self-motivation to pursue research independently, coupled with meticulous attention to detail, are also key attributes for success in this career.

Most Important Skills for an Assistant Professor at UC Riverside

Favorite Parts Of Being An Assistant Professor At University Of California Riverside

Michael, an Assistant Professor at UC Riverside, most enjoys the teaching aspect's ability to "connect with students" and provide "marketable skills," while research allows the flexibility to pursue personally important topics like "what policy tools are effective for getting high-quality teachers to disadvantaged students," a long-standing issue in the United States. This demonstrates a commitment to both student development and impactful research aligned with past experiences like Teach for America.

Favorite Parts Of Being An Assistant Professor At University Of California Riverside

Biggest Challenges Faced by an Assistant Professor at University of California Riverside

The biggest challenge in Michael's role as an Assistant Professor is navigating the "really really hard" publication process, requiring a "thick skin" to handle criticism and rejection. Successfully incorporating valuable feedback while maintaining momentum and turning criticism into something productive is a key skill, and a difficult one to master in academia.

Biggest Challenges Faced by an Assistant Professor at University of California Riverside

Favorite Parts of Working in Academia as an Assistant Professor

Michael, an Assistant Professor at UC Riverside, finds the continuous learning and discussion of interesting ideas most rewarding about his career. He also values the opportunities for travel, networking, and the personal fulfillment of mentoring students, stating that "it's really rewarding to...see them going to grad school or get jobs that they are excited about".

Favorite Parts of Working in Academia as an Assistant Professor

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Economics Industry, According To An Assistant Professor At UC Riverside

Michael, an Assistant Professor at UC Riverside, identifies curiosity, intelligence, dedication, and a genuine enjoyment of the field—specifically mentioning "enjoying talking about the stuff they've done"—as key traits for success in industry's highest echelons. The ability to translate personal enthusiasm into engaging work for others is also crucial for career advancement, according to Michael's hiring experience.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Economics Industry, According To An Assistant Professor At UC Riverside

What an Assistant Professor at UC Riverside Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Academia

Michael, an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Riverside, advises undergraduates considering a similar career path to "take more math" and "look for opportunities to conduct statistical analysis," highlighting the importance of statistical skills and practical experience through research assistantships or internships, a lesson learned through their own experience transitioning from a history major.

What an Assistant Professor at UC Riverside Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Academia

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Assistant Professors at UC Riverside

While noting the increasing competitiveness of PhD programs in the field, Michael suggests undergraduates seek "internships or research assistantships" utilizing statistical packages, citing opportunities at federal reserve banks, think tanks (like Mathematica and Brookings), and consulting firms as valuable entry points. These roles build crucial data analysis skills, a "valuable tool" applicable across various industries.

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Assistant Professors at UC Riverside

Significant Career Lesson From An Assistant Professor At University Of California Riverside

Michael's most significant career lesson is the importance of genuine enthusiasm: "just to be interested in what you're doing and...not being afraid to show your enthusiasm," believing this passion translates to success in various aspects of a career.

Significant Career Lesson From An Assistant Professor At University Of California Riverside

College Experiences That Helped An Assistant Professor At UCR Succeed

Michael, an Assistant Professor, emphasizes the importance of proactive engagement in undergraduate studies, advising students to "extract as much out of this as [they] can," including taking extra math courses and auditing classes beyond required coursework to cultivate a deeper understanding of their field of interest. This active approach, a shift from a high-school mindset of minimizing work, ultimately contributed to their success.

College Experiences That Helped An Assistant Professor At UCR Succeed
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