MA in Economics

Polina Prokof’yeva, 2022

Polina Prokof’yeva

How did you choose your specific area of study?

During my undergrad, I had a chance to work with migrants who reside in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. That project sparked my interest in understanding the economic aspects behind migration, which later prompted me to apply for MA in Economics at George Mason University.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

My time in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences helped me acquire a quantitative skill set that will help me in my future career as I compile and analyze data. I was also able to improve my writing skills, which will help me conduct thoughtful policy research.

Of which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud?

I am grateful for the help and support of my professors, staff, and classmates, as I had the opportunity to co-author blog posts with Christine McDaniel, a Mercatus Center scholar.

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?

My advice is to be open-minded and eager to learn as much as possible. Be adventurous and take on interesting projects. Study hard and seek help or ask questions when you don’t understand something. Connect with your fellow classmates because you might find life-long friends and improve your learning experience.