Why statistics and econometrics? More about my story
Why statistics and econometrics? More about my story
Looking to dive into statistics and time series econometrics? Join our courses at UTU! You can explore our teaching and research in detail at econometrics.utu.fi
Time series analysis and econometrics equip you to analyze time-dependent data across the social sciences and beyond. Our courses are tailored for statistics majors minoring in economics, as well as students majoring in macroeconomics, financial economics, or applied mathematics. In both our curriculum and research, we emphasize modern statistical and machine learning approaches.
Why to study time series analysis and econometrics?
Time series econometrics (theory and applications) is exciting.
Its applications often have societal significance.
Experts of econometric methods have generally found work very well.
At the request of the UTU econometrics team, here is a more personal look at how this interest can spark. For me, the major turning point was New Year’s Eve 1992/1993. My uncle, with his signature flair, drew out the standings for the newly formed English Premier League and introduced me to Vakioveikkaus (here the table and highlights of the followed TV match, my first one and here (2022) documentary on the decisive moment of that season), the traditional 13-match 1-X-2 football betting pool.
My interest on football statistics have gradually then developed from Poisson distribution (to predict match outcomes) to econometrics and economic & financial applications already well before the start as a student at the Univ. of Helsinki (2002). Long traditions of (time series) econometrics research in Finland provided, and hopefully still provide in the coming times, excellent opportunities to study these topics.
But don't expect any betting tips for upcoming matches—you'll have to do your own research! All in all, one day, the instructions given by the King himself on the right will be perfectly valid once again
That spark from over 30 years ago ignited a lifelong passion for combining sports with statistics. Today, when I’m not in a lecture hall, on Zoom, or out cycling or cross-country skiing, you might spot me in the stands at legendary venues of Old Trafford and Pihkala stadium (if you are wondering what is this ball game, finnish baseball is summarized well here and here).