PhD in Econ-- is it a good idea for me?

College Search & Selection
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<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I'm currently a masters student at LSE, the London School of Economics, pursuing a degree in finance. When I entered, I had planned to use the degree as a launching pad into a career in finance- Consulting/Trading/I-banking. However, during the course of my studies, I am finding that I am much more interested in, and adept at, the study of economics than the study/application of finance. I am wondering if a PhD in Economics after the completion of my studies would make sense for me.</p>

<p>A little more about my background. I have a fairly atypical undergraduate degree in classical piano performance from a top-notch conservatory. As a result, I lack a strong quantitative background. In order to be eligible for PhD programs, I would have to spend the next two summers taking math courses (multivariable calc., linear algebra, real analysis), and perhaps some upper-level economics/econometrics (which I could do during my second year at LSE). My GREs are quite strong, and would not be an issue for application to any top program.</p>

<p>What are your thoughts on this? I know I'm not a perfectly positioned candidate, but would it be feasible/worthwhile for me to pursue this track? I have a deep conviction that I could offer something to the body of academic work in econ, but I want to be realistic about my chances of admittance/success.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>p.s. Apologies if I posted this on the wrong forum.</p>

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<p>If your goal after a PhD is to enter industry and work in finance, dont waste your time.
PhD students are usually extremely passionate about the material and don’t use it as a means to get a job that is not related to the subject of their PhD. If anything, they use it to be able to land a job to teach that subject, not to use it for working in the business sector.</p>

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<p>Although I may end up going into the industry at some point, I would be going into the PhD with an eye toward a future in academia. Thanks for the reply</p>