Richmond

Academic Research

We have a long tradition of focusing on academic research. Economists spend much of their time conducting their own independent research, attending seminars, and presenting their work in workshops and conferences. About 25 economists work in our Research department on an array of topics.

During the two years you’ll spend at the Richmond Fed, you'll work mainly on two long-term projects supporting two or more economists from our department. We will try to balance your interests, experience, and the department needs to get you the best possible exposure to a variety of economic research areas.

RAs learn from economists and from each other, mainly through a hands-on approach that focuses on independent learning, to fulfill requirements for specific projects. It will be a challenging but rewarding two years during which you will have access to mentors who can provide guidance on furthering your career in economics.

Center for Advancing Women in Economics

The Richmond Fed Center for Advancing Women in Economics (AWE) seeks to champion diverse perspectives in economic research and policymaking by mentoring and connecting women in the field, particularly those working in topics relevant to the mission of the Federal Reserve System.

The Center’s website regularly highlights interesting research work through interviews and spotlights of our economists and those visiting us to present their work. The Center is also building a directory of women in economics.

Broadening Your Experience

To complement the exposure that you will get through your projects, you'll participate in our RA-led study group, career path sessions and several classes taught by economists throughout the year.

You will also contribute to our policy work which will allow you to interact with more economists in our department and experience how a PhD can help you contribute to policy. Some examples of policy updates that Richmond Fed RAs contribute to are the Non-Employment Index and the natural rate of interest forecast. Richmond RAs write most of our Research Spotlights (summaries of our economists’ papers in the Econ Focus magazine) and coauthor occasionally entries for our Macro Minute blog and our Economic Briefs. Check them out for an accessible way to learn about our economist’s research and policy work.