Graduate school is a big step, especially if one considers entering an academic discipline rather than a professional school. As I recall, the idea of grad school is also somewhat frightening -- after all, it is risky to go from a setting where you are among the best, to a place where most people are as bright or brighter. This holds for the American Economic Association's Summer Training Program as well -- it is full of exceptional, motivated students from across the nation. Moreover, working hard is not everyone's idea of a fun summer!
So what makes the AEA Summer Training Program at UC Santa Barbara and the AEA Minority Fellowships so attractive?
Most people are brighter than they think they are, but need challenges to realize their potential. The Summer Training Program provides that challenge, but does so in a way that is supportive and friendly, rather than cold and hostile. Students cooperate and work together instead of competing with one another.
It's a great offer: 24 transferable college credit hours from one of America’s top universities; and, depending on one’s scholarship eligibility, living and travel expenses, and a stipend! You can make up almost a semester while getting paid, and that's an outstanding opportunity that is hard to pass up. The program offers classes at two levels, one of which offers undergraduate credits, and one of which offers Master's level credits. A participant who attends the program for two summers will thus earn up to 48 credit hours -- the better part of an academic year.
Having a Ph.D. in Economics equips you to address major social issues, to teach, and to guide corporate agendas. In short, an Economics doctorate enables you to become a leader in society -- and the AEA Summer Training Program is the best way to prepare effectively for graduate study.
It's a great way to try out Economics graduate school. There's no way to know if graduate economics makes sense unless you try it out. Attending the summer program enables you to do that, without the commitment of entering a full-time program.
This program will enhance your immediate value to employers. Many people decide not to go to graduate programs, at least right away. The computer software and statistics skills you'll pick up in this program tremendously enhance your value to employers, and hence will be likely to raise your starting wage, and the quality of your first job.
The Summer Program in Economics will be of value as well to those seeking advanced degrees in Law, Finance, Public Administration, or other social sciences or MBA programs. Not everyone is certain of his or her interests. However, a good background in economics is a tremendous asset in many fields, which in part explains the growing popularity of dual degree programs such as Law and Economics, or Finance and Economics.
You become a life-long member of an elite group. One of the great benefits of the program is coming into contact and making friends with people such as yourself. The networks and friendships that arise are often life-long, and are of life-long value.
The faculty and speakers are amazing! Dedicated professors and staff from UC Santa Barbara, North Carolina A&T State University (our partner school in the program), and other top research universities will be working with you, as partners and mentors as much as professors. Faculty are demanding -- and accessible. Courses are rigorous -- but instructors and computer assistants are available to work with you intensively. Expectations are high -- but not unreasonable -- and you will surpass them.
In short, the AEA Summer Training Program at UC Santa Barbara and the AEA Minority Scholarship are an exceptional opportunity. I hope you will give it serious consideration, and that you'll write me with your questions and concerns.
