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.
Data Analysis, Research Assistantships, Internships, Econometrics, PhD Programs
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
Video Highlights
1. Entry-level positions in Michael's field often involve data analysis, so developing skills in statistical packages is crucial.
2. Federal Reserve banks, think tanks (e.g., Mathematica, Brookings Institution, RAND), and consulting firms hire undergraduates for research assistant positions.
3. Pursuing internships or research assistantships allows students to gain valuable experience in data analysis, a highly transferable skill across various industries and occupations.
Transcript
What entry-level positions in this field might an undergraduate college student consider?
As a professor, you first have to get a PhD. Even that is becoming more competitive to get into programs.
So, I advise people coming out of undergrad to look for opportunities to learn a statistical package well. Then, look for internships or research assistantships where you can use it. Federal Reserve banks and professors hire research assistants.
There are also think tanks like Mathematica, Brookings Institution, and RAND Corporation, and consulting firms that hire undergraduates. These experiences help you develop your data analysis skills. This skill set carries over to many different industries and occupations and is a valuable tool.
I think it's a good thing to pursue right out of school. I wish I had done that; it would have been helpful.