Accelerated MA in Economics
Lars Mukherjee
Why did you decide to join the BAM program and pursue an Economics MA?
I chose to join the BAM program and pursue an Economics M.A. because I really enjoyed what I was learning in the economics department at Mason, and I wanted to continue to a higher level. The BAM program was a nice way to make the transition from my bachelor's to a master’s, and it comes with the added benefit of only spending one extra year to complete my master’s.
How has your experience been with BAM and the Economics department?
My experience with BAM and the economics department has been a good one overall. The department helped me out a lot to make sure I had the credits to make the transition to the master’s program a smooth one, and the professors continue to challenge me academically.
What have you most enjoyed about studying economics at Mason?
Studying economics at Mason has been rewarding for me because I came into the program with a different ideological stance from many of the professors who teach economics. This meant that my ideas were consistently challenged during class, something I have come to appreciate, as it helped me learn and grow as a person.
Could you share with me a specific example of how a class or professor at George Mason has challenged your understanding of economics and how this has helped you learn and grow?
Coming into the economics program at George Mason, I believed the market was highly inefficient and that the government needed to step in to correct market failures and provide many public goods. Throughout my degree, this belief was repeatedly challenged, which helped me learn more about how markets operate and influenced the way I see the role of the government.
What kinds of opportunities have been available to you as a Mason student?
There are many opportunities available to Mason students. While the university is known as a “commuter school”, there are many different student clubs and organizations to get involved in. For your career, the university has “career services”, where they can help you with applications and building your network. In the economics department, getting involved with the Mercatus Center is a great way to meet other graduate students and learn from them.
What is your favorite student experience or program highlight?
My favorite student experience has been getting involved with clubs. I was in Club Tennis and Crew Club, both of which were very fun and where I met the most people.
Do you recommend other students pursue a BAM in economics? If so, why?
I do recommend that other students pursue a BAM in economics. Not only is economics a useful degree when searching for a job, but it is also an extremely interesting subject with so much to learn about how the world works.
Do you have any advice for new and prospective students who may be interested in the BAM or Economics programs?
For new and prospective students, be sure to meet with your advisor to check in and confirm that you are keeping track of which classes you need and want to take. The BAM transition process can be easy if you put the time into tracking the requirements of your degree. Additionally, do your readings. You will be assigned a lot of reading, and it is in your best interest to stay on top of it.
What are your plans for after Mason? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
My immediate goals after graduation are to find a job where I can continue to learn new skills and apply what I’ve learned in my degree in a professional setting. I am looking into roles at different think tanks as well as any entry-level roles at the IMF, World Bank, and Federal Reserve. In 5 years, I hope to be working at the Federal Reserve.
What interests you about working at the Federal Reserve? What kind of work do you hope to do there?
What interests me about working at the Federal Reserve is how much small changes in Fed policy influence outcomes. I believe one can have a significant impact on many people while working there. I hope to enter the Fed in a research position.