Professor of Economics

As a Professor of Economics, you will conduct, publish, and disseminate research; teach principles of economics at the undergraduate and graduate levels; and serve on committees to address department-wide policies, curriculum, and activities. If you are passionate about economics and enjoy teaching, then this may be the perfect career for you. There are many paths to becoming a Professor of Economics. Some Professors of Economics earn a bachelor's degree in Economics, while others earn a bachelor's degree in a different field and then go on to earn a master's degree and Ph.D. in Economics.

Education Requirements

To become a Professor of Economics, you must have a Ph.D. in Economics. Typically, the Ph.D. program takes five to seven years to complete. During your Ph.D. program, you will take courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and other related fields. You will also conduct original research and write a dissertation.

Skills and Experience

In addition to a Ph.D. in Economics, you should have strong:

• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Quantitative skills
• Research skills

It is also helpful to have experience teaching economics. This experience can be gained through teaching assistantships or by volunteering to teach at a local college or university.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

As a Professor of Economics, your day-to-day responsibilities will vary depending on your specific role and institution. However, some common tasks include:

• Teaching classes
• Conducting research
• Publishing papers in academic journals
• Serving on committees
• Advising students

Challenges

There are a number of challenges that you may face as a Professor of Economics. Some of these challenges include:

• The job market for Professors of Economics is competitive.
• The workload can be demanding.
• The research process can be time-consuming and frustrating.
• You may face pressure to publish your research in top academic journals.

Personal Growth Opportunities

As a Professor of Economics, you will have the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. You will learn about new economic theories and models, and you will develop your skills in teaching, research, and writing. You will also have the opportunity to mentor students and help them to develop their own careers.

Personality Traits and Interests

If you are considering a career as a Professor of Economics, it is important to have the following personality traits and interests:

• A strong interest in economics
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• A passion for teaching
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team

Self-Guided Projects

There are a number of self-guided projects that you can complete to better prepare yourself for a career as a Professor of Economics. Some of these projects include:

• Reading books and articles on economics
• Conducting your own research projects
• Teaching economics to others
• Attending conferences and workshops on economics

How Online Courses Can Help

Online courses can be a helpful way to prepare for a career as a Professor of Economics. Online courses can provide you with the opportunity to learn about different economic theories and models, and they can help you to develop your skills in research and writing. Additionally, online courses can help you to connect with other students and professionals in the field of economics.

Online courses can be a helpful learning tool to bolster the chances of success for entering this career. However, online courses alone are not enough to follow a path to this career. You will also need to earn a Ph.D. in Economics and gain experience teaching economics.