Advice to Young Researchers (2025)

This course is crafted for first year PhD students in Economics and Finance of the University of Verona.

Academic year: 2024-25

How to Survive and Prosper as a Young Academic in Economics and Finance

Research, the cornerstone of our discipline, is undeniably challenging. It is a path filled with trial and error, and yes, often more error than success. The best of researchers have wrestled with the same problems you will face. We often enter the field armed with theories and models, but the real world of research is uncharted and untamed, without a one-size-fits-all approach or magical formula. Misinformation and myths about what scholars do and how they succeed abound, creating false narratives about the profession. This course aims to dispel these myths and provide you with a realistic understanding of the academic landscape. By the end of this course, you will have engaged in open discussions about the realities of our profession, reflected deeply on your career trajectory, and leave with a clearer vision of how to mold your PhD experience into a stepping stone for a successful career. Whether you aspire to academia, industry, or policy, this course is your compass in the vast economic wilderness.

Learning outcomes:

  • Critical Analysis of Academic Pathways: Students will critically analyze the journey of obtaining a Ph.D. in Economics and Finance, understanding the academic rigors and the professional expectations that the market holds for doctoral candidates.
  • Professional Competency Development: Students will identify key professional competencies required in the field of Economics and Finance and devise a strategic plan to acquire these skills, setting measurable goals to achieve their individual career objectives.
  • Enhancement of Communication Skills: Students will actively enhance their economic writing and presentation abilities, practicing the art of conveying complex ideas with clarity and impact, essential for both academic and non-academic audiences.
  • Stress Management and Work-Life Integration: Students will engage in discussions about stress management techniques and work-life balance, recognizing the importance of personal well-being in professional success.

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Main Reading List:

  • The Professor is In: The Essential Guide to turning your Ph.D. into a Job (2015) by Karen Kelsky. A practical guide for PhD students on preparing for the academic job market, focusing on publishing, networking, and gaining teaching experience.
  • The Economist’s Craft: an Introduction to Research, Publishing and Professional Development (2021) by Michael Weisbach. This book provides a roadmap for a successful academic career in economics, emphasizing research creation, dissemination, and the importance of networking and clear writing.
  • Doing Economics: What You Should Have Learned in Grad School – But Didn’t (2022) by Marc F. Bellemare. A guide for acquiring practical skills in economics, urging students to seek training and experiences beyond their graduate programs.

The course schedule consists of five modules, each focusing on different aspects of the academic journey and a final assessment. Each module includes specific homework assignments that build upon the topics discussed, such as reflecting on job market expectations, drafting research questions, writing scientific paper introductions, and creating tables or graphics for research papers. The course is designed to be interactive, with peer review sessions and group discussions to foster a collaborative learning environment.

Schedule:

  • Module 1: February 20, 2025 (14-17), SMT.07
  • Module 2: March 13, 2025 (14-17), SMT.07
  • Module 3: April 10, 2025 (14-17), SMT.07
  • Module 4: May 8, 2025 (14-17), SMT.07
  • Module 5: May 29, 2025 (14-18), SMT.07

Module 1: “A Ph.D. in Economics and Finance” [Slides] [Discussion]

Agenda:

  1. Welcome and introductions: outline of the course’s purpose and learning outcomes.
  2. Discussion of market expectations for Ph.D. holders.
  3. Strategies for selecting a research area: finding and refining your research topic and assessing the relevance and impact of potential topics.
  4. Developing your research agenda: setting short-term and long-term goals for your research.

References:

Homework for next module:

  1. Reflect on the market expectations discussed and how they align with your current academic focus. Begin exploring potential research topics and draft a preliminary research question.
  2. Develop a concise Academic Career Plan outlining key milestones such as research projects, publications, and networking. Set at least three specific research goals, identify required competencies with learning strategies, and plan for professional networking. The final report (max two pages, A4, double-spaced) should be structured with clear headings and submitted via email before the next module.
  3. Write a recommendation letter about yourself using this template (follow the instructions). Send me your letter by email before next module.

Module 2: “Scientific papers and publication process” [Slides] [Discussion] [slides]

Agenda

  1. Recap of Module 1 and Introduction to Module 2.
  2. Dissecting scientific papers: understanding the essential elements of a well-structured paper.
  3. Mastering the rhetoric: techniques for crafting compelling arguments in your writing.
  4. The Journal Review Process: step-by-step breakdown of the publication process from submission to decision.
  5. Tips for selecting the right journal and preparing your manuscript for submission.

References:

Recommended books and resources on scientific writing:

  • Alley, M. (2018). The craft of scientific writing.
  • McCloskey, D. N. (2019). Economical Writing: Thirty-five Rules for Clear and Persuasive Prose.
  • Greene, A. E. (2013). Writing Science in Plain English.
  • Software: ProWritingAid
  • The economist style guide
  • Riviste DSE
  • Paper used as an example of a good introduction. 

Homework for next module:

  1. Reflect on the rhetoric of scientific papers. Read carefully the introduction of (at least) 5 papers related to your research interests.
  2. Write a draft of an introduction using this template. Send me your file by email.

Module 3: “Write your draft” [Slides][Discussion]

Agenda:

  1. Welcome back and recap of Module 2.
  2. Peer Review of draft introductions (feedbacks). Group discussion on the strengths and areas for improvement.
  3. Scientific Writing: Best Practices and Common Pitfalls
  4. Analysis of examples and exercises to enhance clarity, precision, and structure in academic writing
  5. Crafting Tables and Graphics. Guidelines on designing tables and graphics that are both informative and engaging. Software tools and examples from your field.

References:

Homework for next module:

  1. Revise your draft introduction incorporating the feedback received during the peer review session.
  2. Create a table or graphic that could be included in your research paper and write a paragraph explaining its relevance and what it illustrates about your research question.
  3. Prepare a poster (A3) of an existing paper. Print it and bring it to class.

Module 4: “Communicate results” [Slides]

Agenda:

  1. Communicate your results: Learn effective strategies for presenting research findings in a clear and impactful manner. 
  2. Give Talks: Guidance on how to deliver engaging and informative talks. The focus will be on structuring presentations, handling Q&A sessions, and using visual aids effectively.
  3. Networking: Seminars, Conferences, and Workshops: Strategies for expanding professional networks through active participation in academic and industry events. Learn how to maximize the opportunities these settings offer for career advancement and collaborations.

References:

Homework for next module:

  1. Revise your poster incorporating the feedback received during the peer review session.
  2. Prepare a publication plan for your research. Justify the choice of journals to which you wish to submit your paper. Consider the audience, impact factor, and the relevance of your research to the journal’s scope.
  3. Reflect on why the selected journal’s editor and referees would be interested in your research. Think about how to address potential questions or objections they might raise. Send me your file by email.

Module 5: “Plan your career” [Slides]

Agenda:

  1. Strategies for developing a robust thesis and research portfolio that stands out in the job market: how to effectively showcase your research contributions and potential for future work.
  2. Get funding: grant writing, understanding different funding bodies’ priorities, and how to align your research goals with them.
  3. Discuss the role of teaching and contribution to academic services in your career. Explore how these activities can enhance your profile and the importance of balancing them with research duties.

References:

Homework for the Final Assessment: prepare your package (CV, cover letter and website). Use the Foolproof Grant Proposal Template from the book The professor is in (pag. 339, top) and write the first 2 paragraphs of your grant proposal. Stress the large topic and the gap. You can work in groups.

Final Assessment: 

Prepare a comprehensive application package consisting of your CV, cover letter, and personal academic website. This package is intended to showcase your qualifications, research, and professional readiness for an academic career. Additionally, draft the initial sections of a grant proposal.

  1. Curriculum Vitae: Use the provided CV template to create a document that effectively summarizes your academic background, research, publications, teaching experience, and any relevant service to the academic community.

  2. Cover Letter: Craft a cover letter that highlights your interest in the assistant professor position, your qualifications, and how your research aligns with the department’s focus.

  3. Personal Academic Website: Develop a professional website that includes your bio, research interests, a list of publications, teaching philosophy, and contact information. This digital presence can be crucial in making your work accessible and demonstrating your communication skills.

  4. Grant Proposal (First 2 Paragraphs): Following the Foolproof Grant Proposal Template from “The Professor is In,” write the first two paragraphs of your grant proposal. These paragraphs should clearly present the broad topic of your research and identify the existing gap your work aims to address.

Final Assessment: Job Interview Preparation for Assistant Professor Position

Prepare to articulate your research, teaching experiences, and service contributions clearly and convincingly. Practice responses to common academic interview questions and be ready to discuss how your work contributes to the broader field of economics.

References: