PhD right after college?

[inquiring]

Is it best to pursue a PhD in economics right after college or take a job then go for it, If one is interested in becoming a business economist?

[unitroot]

Unless you secure a research assistant position at a Federal Reserve bank or any other job that will give you an opportunity to work with practicing research economists, taking some time off to work will reduce, not increase, your chances of getting into a good PhD program.

[GymShorts]

Originally Posted by unitroot

Unless you secure a research assistant position at a Federal Reserve bank or any other job that will give you an opportunity to work with practicing research economists, taking some time off to work will reduce, not increase, your chances of getting into a good PhD program.

I would argue that as long as you only were out of academia for a year or so, that some other jobs, say, at the Department of Labor, might not necessarily reduce your chances, but instead leave them the same. He's right though; few jobs will increase your chances. NYU's FAQ page explicitly says something along the lines of unless you worked at the federal reserve, then your work experience means nothing.

[unitroot]

Well, yes. Not everyone can time the applications to enter a PhD program right after graduation. Taking off 1-2 years before sending application is normal, but I wouldn't recommend waiting any longer than that..

[asianeconomist]

Only for the case of ARE programs, WE in IGOs or NGOs can come in to be handy.

[asianeconomist]

Only for the case of ARE programs, WE in IGOs or NGOs can come in to be handy. Berkeley ARE explicitly mentions this in their applications page.