Thread by @cawley_john, Some PhD students are wondering whether to go on the #EconJobMarket. If [...]

John Cawley

cawley_john

Some PhD students are wondering whether to go on the #EconJobMarket. If you& #39;re entering 4th year, sit it out and get more work done on your papers. If you& #39;re entering 5th year, consider doing same. However, if you& #39;re entering 6+ year, here& #39;s why you *should* go on the mkt: 1/6

1) There were ~4k new jobs on JOE last year. Even if the demand is cut in half, that& #39;s still ~2k new jobs. Lots of people are going to find great job matches this year. 2/6

2) Even tho the job mkt is time-consuming, it will make your work a lot better - it& #39;ll be scrutinized by your advisors and placement cttee. You& #39;ll get useful feedback in mock interviews and practice job talks (as well as the real ones). 3/6

3) If you stay an extra, unneeded year, you may take your foot off the gas, and make less career progress.
4) There& #39;s no guarantee the mkt will fully rebound the following year. 4/6

5) Your 1st job doesn& #39;t have to be for life. Take a postdoc. Start your career somewhere and make a move in a few yrs if necc. There& #39;s an active mkt for advanced asst profs.
5/6

6) Worst case, if it doesn& #39;t work out, no one will judge you. Everyone knows it& #39;s a bad year; there& #39;s no info in someone not finding a good match. 7) Good luck! This is a tough time but your advisors and the profession are rooting for you. 6/6 END

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