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Hi All, I wanted to understand how different is the selection process & research for Business PhD in Managerial Economics versus getting into an Econ PhD. Need a better understanding for a couple of reasons: 1. Though my core interest in Developmental Econ & Public Policy, my profile won't get me into a Top 30 (or 50 School). Going through research areas of profs and PhD students at Kellogg/Ross/Harvard - it aligns pretty well with what I would like to do (A lot of interesting areas with respect to institutions, countries, political science, decision making and more). For e.g: At Northwestern, there is Phd in Developmental Economics, and the MECS program at Kellogg lists Developmental Economics as an active research area. 2. How/what can I do improve my profile to get an admit - I don't want this to become a profile evaluation but want tips what one should do to get into such a program, I currently have: MBA from IIMA (top B-school in India) - I was in the top 15% of the batch but no masters/bachelors in Econ A grades in Economics related courses (except in Macroeconomics - I & never took Econometrics course) A good reco from a Harvard Econ Phd - did a Developmental Econ project under her in IIMA Planning to take RAship under an Econ prof for 18 months (10 months when I apply to colleges for Fall 2020) No other significant research credentials - one paper during undergrad in a low impact journal & currently in Digital Sales for a Technology firm for last 3 years Do courses from Coursera built credibility Thanks. Your inputs will be helpful as I'm planning to apply next year (not this season) P.S: Apologies if I'm breaking any posting guidelines - Did read through them and didn't find anything out of place here. Also, not a lot of information on Business Economics & Strategy programs (neither here nor in the PhD in Econ sub forum)

Hey Guys, I have graduated from "Industrial Engineering" department from Turkey with 3.65/4.00 GPA, 3rd rank in 120 people class, in 2009. I had a thesis about "Supply Chain Performance Measurement and Management" which is pure research paper. Then I have just got an MBA degree again in Turkey with 4.00/4.00. This program was part-time MBA and it does not have thesis requirement. However, I wrote four three research paper for different classes (organizational behavior, corporate governance, foreign policy...), as well as prepared various projects (strategy management, valuation, merge and acquisition...). I have been working since 2009 in purchasing department in multinational FMCG company. My main goal is to make an commercial agreements with suppliers to gain savings. However, I have been dreaming to attend PHD in Business since I have graduated from undergrad. And I decided to pursue my ambition which is to get an acceptance from one of the top 100 schools in the U.S. I have just started to work on GRE. (I found GMAT too tricky and my qualitative background is much better than verbal) All in all, I have two main questions to you. 1- Since I don't have academic research experience,(which is definetly my improvement area) how can I get this experience while working full time? What is you recommendation? 2- I got two economics classes during mba and I have discovered my deep interest in economics. However, I haven't worked as an economist. I cannot decide which area is much more suitable for me. "Business Economics" which I found very much interesting and impressed by the quantitative analysis behind this, OR "Operational Management or Supply Chain" which is more relevant to my background and to my current fulltime job. (also I am not so 100% happy with this area due to economics topis are more attractive for me) What is your recommendation? Do you know any other study area that I can combine – may be - both of them? Thank you so much! by the way I am 29, and I am planning to apply programs in 2016 =) I hope I am not that much old ;)

I am a little confused about PhD economics programs in business schools and I am hoping people here can clarify a few things for me. What exactly is the purpose of Economics PhD programs housed in Business Schools: Booth, GSB, HAAS, HBS, etc? What kind of candidates do they seek? Are they seeking candidates with research interests in economic applications of business or candidates with any research interests in economics? When applying to these programs is there need to present an application different from what you would present to a standard Economics PhD program? What is the profile of the typical admitted candidate? Any tips on applying? What's the culture and research focus of these programs: Booth, GSB, HAAS, HBS? Any other good programs other than the four I listed? Sorry for all the questions, but I am quite confused on this topic. Thanks for responding.

Profile: Degrees: Bachelors in Electrical Engineering from a top university in India, graduated 2004. MBA in 2006. GPA: Equates to 3.5/4. Courses: Lots of quantitative courses during the engineering program such as probability, Complex analysis, linear algebra. Micro, Macro eco, statistics, data analysis, finance courses in MBA program. Publications: Two international papers during undergrad and one research paper during MBA. GRE: 170 Quant, 160 Verbal, 5.5 on AWA Work-EX: Two years of derivatives trading at Lehman in New York. Four years as a director at a top Global Macro hedge fund (I still currently work here) involved in macro-economic research and portfolio risk management. My work over the last 4 years has involved substantial research, interaction with professional economists from Asia, Europe and US. My boss has a phd in economics from MIT and another colleague has one from Harvard. Given my exposure through my work in the last four years, research and analysis through the US-financial crisis and the current European crisis and applications of this in finance and capital markets; I realize my passion lies in research dealing in macro-economics, monetary systems and its applications in finance. Over a period of time, various people have suggested that I should consider a Phd as a step towards serious research/ teaching given my interests and personality. Reasons for Phd at this juncture: Further my understanding and depth of research that I undertake. Expand the scope of career paths to include teaching. Questions: 1. I understand my age (turning 30 soon) and background is different to most who are admitted to a phd programs in economics. (Most students being directly out of school) Should I still consider applying to phd in economics programs? Are there any programs that do not like applicants with significant work ex. 2. Would applying to a business school for a business economics program be a better idea? How many courses in the econ department is one allowed to purse under this program? Im not looking forward to courses and research in business or micro economics; Monetary policy and macroeconomics and its applications are my primary fields of interest. Suggestions/ pointers are most welcome.