Hi, I’m currently a junior at the University at Buffalo where I’m majoring in Economics, with a minor in mathematics. My plan is to continue on to grad school to get my masters and my goal is to become an economist, or work in a similar field. My question is how much do undergrad internships matter in getting into graduate school? I switched majors so I haven’t had any internships and I have an interview with Northwestern Mutual soon but it sounds like a huge waste of time just selling insurance. I’m working hard to get a relevant internship this coming fall, spring, or the following summer so would I be okay if I just did sales part time for my uncle’s business instead this summer? I’m also taking summer classes so my time is limited. Thanks for your help.
Relevant internships are all research oriented i.e. fed reserve/think tank internships. However, you don’t need an internship, just proof of research ability. However, I would advise that if you want to work as an economist, get a phd. These days, you can’t be like Greenspan and only have a masters if you want to have a decent job as an economist, such as at the federal reserve. Not to mention you won’t have to take as many loans out if you do a Phd. Terminal Masters in the US work generally will not train you well enough.