<p>I have heard (in someone's MIT blog) that it is actually hard for UROPs to actually "happen" even if they are available. So would this be the same for economics? MIT</a> UROP: Current Research - Economics: Course 14 seems to list a lot of opportunities. So are these opportunities basically me contacting the professors to see if I could do some research in a field I'm interested in?</p>
<p>Check here for current UROP openings: [MIT</a> UROP: Current Research - Project Openings](<a href=“http://web.mit.edu/urop/research/openings.html]MIT”>http://web.mit.edu/urop/research/openings.html), and you’ll see that some positions focus on economics or have some relation to economics. Students can also contact professors directly. Current students are expected to contact professors and apply for positions. Like in the real world.</p>
<p>My daughter just graduated from MIT, and during a dinner with about 30 people afterward, graduates talked about their experiences…as far as I know, everyone who wanted a UROP in math, computer science engineering, or physics landed one, although it might have taken a few attempts. The physics department tells students that there are far more opportunities than are actually advertised through the UROP office and encourages everyone to contact professors directly.</p>
<p>For what it’s worth, my daughter was involved in a UROP every year she was at MIT, and during the last two years, she immersed herself in one project. If you enjoy research, that’s a great strategy, because during those years, you will have the chance to become highly involved with a small research group that includes professors, post-docs, and graduate students.</p>
<p>Thank you CalAlum!</p>
<p>Does anyone have a firsthand experience in UROP with Econ they can share?</p>
<p>You can look through [Mitra’s</a> blog](<a href=“http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/author/Mitra/archives]Mitra’s”>http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/author/Mitra/archives) – she’s a former blogger and was an econ major. </p>
<p>One of my friends (who was a double-major in Management and EECS) did a UROP with an econ professor, although I have to admit I’m not sure exactly what it entailed logistically.</p>
<p>What do you mean in your original post when you say you’ve heard it’s hard for UROPs to “happen”?</p>
<p>Ah ok, I’ll look into that. Thanks!</p>
<p>I was referring to an MIT blog post in which one blogger detailed his/her “crusade” of getting a UROP. He/she was ignored several times via email. Visited prof, but no one there. etc (this was a while ago, so I can’t find the post… sorry)</p>
<p>For the record, I’d say that’s actually more the exception than the rule – for the most part, you email some professors, a few email back, some in-person meetings are set up, and you end up with one or more offers. I suppose it would be more complicated if you had your heart set on working with one particular person, but in general, it’s not difficult to find a UROP at MIT.</p>
<p>Aww that sounds like a nice school :)</p>
<p>^I have no idea why I just said that out loud lol</p>