Prepare for a Future at the Fed
Hear what our research assistants say about the keys to their success!
Academics A Day in the Life Ask an RAChart your academic journey and career
Coursework and technical skills are the key ingredient to your success.
Academic Journey
So you’re thinking of pursuing a career as an economist! When selecting courses, we encourage you to take econometrics, macro/micro economics—at least through intermediate theory—statistics, and mathematics. Seek opportunities to get some kind of research experience, even if just taking a class with a research requirement. And build relationships with professors who could write reference letters later. Brushing up on your technical chops will also help, so consider Object-Oriented Programing, and learning languages/frameworks such as Stata, MATLAB, Python, R, SAS, and LaTex.
Application Tips
Before applying, keep in mind that each location may have different hiring cycles and requirements. Please review each and plan accordingly. For example, some locations require a letter of recommendation from a professor, writing examples, and/or previous project-based experience. Other locations also would like to see that you have been a tutor or participated in an internship.
We wish you well on your journey!
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A Day in the Life
Research assistants engage in a wide variety of activities and tasks throughout the day.
Collect & Discover
As a research assistant, you will work alongside economists throughout the full lifecycle of research projects. Projects typically start with looking at a policy question and theory, reading the literature on the topic, then selecting and gathering data to test the theory.
Review & Analyze
After the data collection process, you will then perform data cleansing, regression analysis, and produce tables and graphs with the results.
Format & Present
Research findings are documented in policy briefings and working papers. RAs play an important role in helping to review all statistics, citations, and calculations reported in papers and ensuring that they are current before the paper is submitted to a journal or conference.
Work/Life Balance
It’s not all about the work! You’ll have plenty of time for social and enrichment activities inside and outside of work.
Ask an RA
Research assistants shared with us the typical questions they receive. Here’s what they had to say.