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Specifically, what programming/data skills would make oneself marketable for an RA position at the Fed beyond that of the normal proficiency in Stata/SAS/R/LaTex?

Sorry to bring this thread back up, but I am curious about how much research experience I should have to be competitive for an RA position with the Fed/Professor? Research opportunities are sparse at my school, so if they are looking for someone with a lot of research experience am I even a viable candidate? If not, am I better off just trying to go to a non-top-tier PhD program right out of undergrad (definitely not my preference, but I will if its the only option)?

I am only a sophomore, but as of now I am at least moderately proficient in R, MATLAB, and LaTex. I am currently scheduled to take a few computing classed before I graduate. Should know the basics of Java, JavaScript, and C++. Is that enough or should I consider taking more programming classes? Note that if I were to take more programming classes, it would mean dropping a few upper-level/graduate Econ/Math courses that I am planning on taking my junior and senior year (something that I definitely lack due to my undergraduate institution). Being unfamiliar with the background that the Fed and Professors are looking for in RAs, I'm not sure which would be more prudent.

Why these specific Feds? Why are they better suited for future graduate admissions than others?

Thanks for the advice. Working at the Fed does interest me, however, I was hoping to work there after obtaining my PhD. Plus, I would assume that research oriented positions at the Fed straight out of undergrad would be highly competitive; are they not? Given my undergraduate institution, I would assume I would be passed over by the Fed for students who attended more reputable, research-oriented undergraduate institutions. Would taking upper-level/graduate econ courses and/or proof-based math courses at a Big Ten University near me as a non-degree student help my chances at landing admission at a top-tier econ program directly out of undergrad? After dropping Poli Sci, my schedule would be reasonably flexible during my senior year. If it would benefit my chances, I would be willing to take up to 5 or 6 courses at this Big Ten school.

Let me clarify. There is only one prof with an Econ PhD. One other prof teaches the intro to econ class, but has a DoB. Even so, one professor teaches all the econ courses at or above the level of intermediate macro/micro. In addition to the intro class, only three econ courses are offered each semester.

Hello all. After reviewing the numerous 'profiles/results threads' from various years, I noticed that those being admitted to 'top-30' Econ PhD programs come from a pretty selective group; mostly prestigious schools with respectable Econ departments. Like these individuals, I also desire to be admitted to a 'top-30' PhD programming, hopefully, right after undergrad. However, due mostly to my insistence on playing a sport in college (something I quit about a month into school), I am attending a small, completely unknown, liberal arts college in the Midwest. Worse yet is that the Econ Department at my school has only 1, albeit good, professor. My question is do I have any chance at being admitted to a 'top-30' PhD program right out of undergrad assuming that my other credentials are strong? Half-way through my sophomore year, I nearly have a 4.00 GPA (one B+ in French :livid:) and, in the past, I have been an excellent standardized test taker ; a skill that I hope is transferable to the GRE. In terms of research, I am currently RAing for my school's 1 (lol) Econ prof, but other than that there are not many research opportunities at my school. Based upon similar posts on this forum, many people are going to suggest that I transfer, but I have a serious girlfriend at school and, thus, I would be uncomfortable transferring. One thing that I have considered is graduating in 3-years (this would mean dropping my meaningless, but interesting Poli Sci major; my other majors are Econ and Applied Math by the way), which is when my girlfriend will graduate and enrolling as a non-degree student at a Big Ten School in my state. This would enable me to take some math classes that are not offered at my school (partial differential equations, 2nd semester of linear, and a second semester of analysis) and, hopefully, secure LOR's from more reputable profs than those at my current school (maybe?). Also, if I were not to be admitted to a 'top 30' PhD program right after undergrad, would a masters degree in Econ/Math bolster my chances any?