WISE-SOE (Wang Yanan Institute for Studies in Economics-School of Economics) offers International master (MA) and doctoral (Ph.D.) programs for candidates who have a strong background and an interest in Economics. Three Economics major options are available for PhD students under the international PhD program - Quantitative Economics, Western Economics and Finance. During the academic year 2017/2018, WISE-SOE welcomed five international Ph.D. students from different countries of the world.
The Student Assistants had the opportunity to interview two PhD students in WISE-SOE. They are David Iheke Okorie (a Nigerian studying Finance) and Shahzad Munir (a Pakistani studying Quantitative Economics). David and Shahzad shared their opinions about their experiences studying in WISE-SOE, and their future plans in their research projects and career development.
Here are the interviews:
David
Q: Why did you choose to pursue your Ph.D. in WISE?
A: During my master’s program in WISE, I was convinced beyond doubts that the stock of knowledge and rigorous training required to produce a world class Economist is embedded in WISE. Personally, I was determined to acquire as much as possible before graduating as a master student.
Surprisingly, the more I acquired, the more there was to acquire. Right then, I decided to pursue my Ph.D. studies in WISE, the institute which provides us the platform to learn from world renowned professors. With the training and knowledge offered here, there is no excuse not to become a great economist, just as other products of WISE.
Q: What was the first impression about WISE when you began the Ph.D. program?
A: The first impression about WISE when I started this program was that WISE is determined to produce excellent scholars. I concluded, “… the process that produces great results is often rigorous, tasking, demanding, etc. Above all, it requires hard work and diligence. … ”. Hence, I adjusted accordingly.
Q: What is your opinion about the professor’s background and quality in WISE?
A: The quality of the Professors in WISE is tantamount to those of highly rated economics schools. Moreover, their background is solid and easily verifiable.
Q: How can you describe the study load in WISE?
A: Well, as I mentioned, studying at WISE is not easy. The study load is significant. Moreover, one would not only have to burn midnight candles to survive in WISE but vehemently carry out other course requirements.
Q: What are the benefits and opportunities that you have got as an International Ph.D. student in WISE?
A: One of the benefits that comes with studying in WISE is that of having a direct link to discuss an(y) economic phenomenon with world class and sophisticated scholars lecturing in WISE.
Q: Which research area are you interested to develop?
A: Presently, the research areas wherein I am interested are game theory, and econometrics.
Q: What is your career goal after completing your Ph.D.?
A: On completing this Ph.D. program in WISE, I would take on the career path of lecturing, and research.
Shahzad
Q: Why did you choose to pursue your Ph.D. in WISE?
A: Because I knew that WISE has a good reputation in China in terms of research in economics.
Q: What was the first impression about WISE when you began the Ph.D. program?
A: First I found that WISE has good opportunities of learning programs regarding international students.
Q: What is your opinion about the professor’s background and quality in WISE?
A: Very impressive. WISE now is always trying to introduce more professors who received their Ph.D. degree from world top ranking universities. This benefits international students a lot especially.
Q: How can you describe the study load in WISE?
A: Very hard but good for learning.
Q: What are the benefits and opportunities that you have got as an International Ph.D. student in WISE?
A: Being an international Ph.D. student in WISE allows us to have a close relationship with professors and faculty members.
Q: Which research area are you interested to develop?
A: My research is econometrics and non-parametric statistics and I would like to continue my previous work in modern way.
Q: What is your career goal after completing your Ph.D.?
A: As I am a government official now I wish to continue my work after completing my Ph.D.
By Feby Dwi Sutianto - Student Assistant
Master of Economics in Management
