Advising
Advising
You can schedule a meeting up to 30 days in advance, with at least 24 hours' notice: https://calendly.com/neeraja-gupta/20-minutes-1-1-meeting-advising
These sessions are a great opportunity to discuss any school-related topics, including but not limited to:
Research opportunities and guidance
Course registration and planning
Coursework management and study strategies
Career planning and academic goal
Internship and job search advice
If you’re meeting for course registration advising, please bring a draft of your registration plan so we can have a more focused discussion.
Looking forward to connecting with you!
Getting into graduate school is challenging, but staying and succeeding in grad school is even harder. Here are some key considerations to help you thrive and tailor your applications to signal a high likelihood of success if admitted:
1. Should You Work Before Grad School?
While working before grad school isn’t mandatory, it can be highly beneficial for long-term success.
Understanding Your Motivations: Trying out different roles (not necessarily research-based) helps clarify your interests before making a long-term commitment. Many people enter grad school simply because they want to stay in academia, but this alone is often not enough to sustain motivation through the challenges of a PhD. Having some work experience at Goldman Sachs, the World Bank, as academic research assistant, and finally in a lecturer position before my PhD, I had a clearer understanding of my preferences, didn’t stress about grades as much, and could remind myself on tough days that this was still my chosen path.
Skill Development Over Research: If you do choose a research position, focus on learning valuable technical skills rather than jumping straight into research projects. Any research you produce as an inexperienced undergrad is unlikely to significantly impact your grad school success. Instead, prioritize learning econometrics, data analysis, STATA, Python, and R. These tools are easier to learn earlier in your career, and having them in your arsenal will be incredibly valuable, especially in your second year and beyond.
Extending Undergrad for Advanced Courses: Another option is to extend your undergraduate studies by a year to take advanced math and coding courses. The first year of grad school is heavily math-focused, even if you don’t use those skills much later. Additionally, taking a writing course can be invaluable—writing skills are often overlooked in favor of math, but they are crucial for years two and beyond in grad school.
Strategic Positioning for Admissions: Think about the signal value of your choices—admissions committees evaluate candidates based on their perceived likelihood of succeeding in the program. Choose positions strategically to maximize this perception.
2. Is a Master’s in Economics Worth It?
In most cases, no. Master’s programs are expensive, often not as rigorous, and even at top institutions, they do not have strong placement records for PhD admissions.
3. Do You Really Need a PhD?
A PhD requires significant sacrifices—financially, mentally, and physically. Many well-paying jobs are available after an undergrad degree or an MBA, often with much higher earnings than a PhD in economics. Additionally, PhD programs require a high degree of self-discipline—no one will tell you what to do or when to do it. You must enjoy long-term goals with short-term flexibility while managing your time efficiently. If you have a clear answer to why you need a PhD, surviving grad school will be easier, and this clarity will also strengthen your application.
1. Letters of Recommendation (LORs) Are the Most Important Factor: Your application’s most crucial component is your letters of recommendation (LORs). Your grades only matter up to the point of avoiding immediate rejection.
Building Strong Relationships with Potential Letter Writers: Every interaction with your professors is a potential connection with a future recommender. If you identify someone as a potential letter writer, make an effort to stand out—take their electives, contribute in class, attend office hours, be thoughtful in discussions, and maintain professionalism.
Choosing the Right Letter Writers: Prioritize quality over prestige. A strong, personal letter from a junior professor is far better than a generic one from a well-known scholar. If a professor indicates they can only provide a "limited" letter or does not sound enthusiastic, take it as a sign to seek another recommender—they may be doing you a favor by being honest instead of writing a weak letter.
2. Networking and Conferences: If possible, attend conferences under the guidance of your advisor, as they may be able to introduce you to key people in the field. Many applicants believe cold emailing professors will improve their chances, but most professors ignore generic emails expressing admiration for their work. Only reach out if you have a genuinely thoughtful, concise, and intelligent question to ask—otherwise, it is unlikely to make a meaningful impact.
3. Choosing the Right Program
Placement Records Matter: Look at the program’s recent placement history to see if it aligns with your career goals.
Student-Faculty Collaboration: Check faculty webpages to see if student-faculty co-authorship is common. I learned the most from co-authoring with faculty—it’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience.
Funding for Research: If you hope to conduct experiments in grad school, ask current students how they secure funding for their projects.
Infrastructure and Resources: Ensure the program has good infrastructure for students, such as office spaces, labs, and a well-equipped library.
Faculty in Your Research Area: While department ranking is important (as it correlates with placement success), at the margin, it is even more crucial to have multiple faculty members in your area of interest. This gives you flexibility in choosing an advisor and access to broader mentorship. Keep in mind that your interests may shift after your first year, so also look at faculty strength in your secondary and tertiary interests.
4. Preparing for the GRE: Plan ahead for the GRE, and be ready to retake it if necessary. While often used only as an initial screening tool, your score must be high enough to make the cut for your target programs. Many applicants focus too much on the quantitative section, but the analytical writing score is equally important.
5. Visitation Days (Professionalism Matters!): While these visits are a chance to learn more about the program, they are also an opportunity for the department to assess you. Admissions committees often ask current students for input when making final decisions about waitlisted applicants or funding allocations. This doesn’t mean treating every interaction like an interview, but be professional, polite, and curious. Avoid oversharing or behaving inappropriately in social settings—don’t get too drunk and spill unnecessary details to older grad students!
6. Negotiating Offers: Once you receive an offer, know that you have room to negotiate-
Fully Funded Offers: If your offer is not fully funded, inquire about securing full funding.
Improved Funding Terms: Ask if you can receive a fellowship instead of a TA/RA position in the first few years.
Higher Stipends: You may be able to negotiate for more financial support.
Using Competing Offers: If you have multiple offers, you can leverage them to negotiate better terms. For example, a friend of mine successfully negotiated a fully funded offer by stating that they preferred one program but would need funding to accept it.
Every case is different, so discuss negotiation strategies with your advisor. The key takeaway: If you don’t ask, you won’t get it.
Disclaimer: I am early in my career and do not claim to be an expert on the academic job market. I also don't claim expertise on Liberal Arts Colleges, especially as an immigrant who didn't attend one as an undergraduate. My insights are based on personal experience, the guidance of senior colleagues, and lessons learned in hindsight. Since I’m often asked about these topics, this serves as a summary of what I found helpful during my job search. The advice shared applies broadly to LACs rather than any specific institution, and candidates should research individual colleges to understand their unique priorities.
Liberal Arts Colleges (LACs) place a strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching, faculty-student interaction, and high-quality research. Successful scholars at LACs balance both teaching and research effectively, often benefiting from strong institutional support and a collaborative academic environment.
A Rewarding and Engaging Teaching Experience
LACs offer a dynamic and fulfilling teaching environment where faculty play a central role in shaping students' academic journeys. Teaching loads typically range from 2-2 to 3-3, but the experience is markedly different from that at R1 institutions. Smaller class sizes foster deeper student engagement, meaningful discussions, and a more interactive learning experience.
At an LAC, teaching isn’t treated just a responsibility—it’s a craft. While standing out as a good teacher at an R1 may be relatively easy, at an LAC, exceptional teaching is the norm. Faculty are encouraged to innovate, refine their pedagogy, and create intellectually stimulating courses that challenge and inspire students. The teacher-scholar model allows for a rich exchange of ideas, making teaching both intellectually rewarding and deeply impactful. Though it requires effort and continuous growth, the opportunity to connect with students in a meaningful way and contribute to their development as thinkers and researchers makes teaching at an LAC an incredibly fulfilling experience.
A Stimulating Environment for Scholarship
LACs provide an excellent environment for scholars who are passionate about research. While research expectations differ across LACs, faculty are generally expected to maintain a strong and well-defined research agenda. Publishing in reputable journals and contributing work that is valued by others in the discipline are often key factors in tenure evaluations.
Though the pressure to place in top-5 journals may not be as intense as at R1 institutions, research remains a vital part of faculty life. The LAC model fosters an intellectually engaging atmosphere where faculty have the freedom to explore meaningful research questions while also contributing to a vibrant academic community. The close faculty-student interactions often lead to unique research collaborations, and the emphasis on both teaching and scholarship helps faculty refine their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. I see many senior LAC professors become successful textbook authors, drawing on both their deep expertise and their experience in teaching and distilling complex concepts.
A Collaborative and Supportive Academic Community
One of the most rewarding aspects of working at a LAC is the strong sense of collaboration and community. LACs foster an environment where faculty support one another, creating a collegial atmosphere that makes academic life both enriching and enjoyable. Mentorship is a key part of this culture—faculty benefit from close guidance from senior colleagues while also playing an active role in mentoring students and helping them develop their own scholarly voices.
Beyond the classroom, LACs provide ample opportunities for faculty to engage in meaningful academic work while maintaining a well-rounded professional life. Institutional support—such as funding for conferences, research assistants, and sabbaticals—enables faculty to pursue ambitious projects without the intense pressures often found in other academic settings. The result is an environment where scholarship thrives, teaching remains deeply engaging, and faculty can build fulfilling, long-term careers within a supportive and intellectually vibrant community.
Maintain an Active Research Agenda: Like any academic institution, LACs seek to hire experts in their respective fields—scholars who can engage a broad economics audience while demonstrating deep expertise in their specific area. Candidates should present a clear trajectory toward becoming successful researchers, with a well-defined agenda reflected in their Job Market Paper, dissertation, and future projects. While LACs place greater value on pedagogy-focused research than many research universities, the overall approach to preparing a strong research profile remains largely the same across both types of institutions.
Develop Teaching Experience: Before entering the job market, try to serve as the primary instructor for at least two undergraduate courses. While TA experience is valuable, it doesn’t replace the hands-on experience of leading a class. If possible, teach a mix of courses, from introductory to intermediate levels—LACs appreciate candidates who can teach a wide range of subjects.
Demonstrate Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching: Take the time to develop a teaching philosophy that reflects your commitment to active learning, inclusivity, and student engagement. Collect teaching evaluations and seek feedback from peers to improve teaching effectiveness and strengthen your teaching philosophy. If there are opportunities for teaching awards, consider applying—it’s a great way to highlight your dedication to high-quality pedagogy.
Engage with Innovative Teaching Methods: LACs value teaching methods that actively engage students. Incorporating policy applications, data-driven instruction, or analytical tools like Python, R, or Stata can help students develop critical thinking and analytical skills. If your institution offers pedagogy seminars, attend those that focus on innovative teaching methods. If any resonate with your courses or teaching style, try incorporating them into your classroom to gain experience.
Show Enthusiasm for Mentoring Undergraduates in Research: Demonstrating a strong interest in mentoring undergraduates is important for LAC positions. To build a profile that signals your commitment to undergraduate research, incorporate research-based projects into the courses you teach and highlight their impact on students, as well as your role as an instructor. If your research group offers opportunities for undergraduates, seek supervisory roles, even if they’re small, to gain experience in mentoring. Additionally, get involved in curriculum development, particularly in courses with research components. The key is to actively seek out such opportunities; if they’re not available at your institution, find ways to signal your enthusiasm for undergraduate mentorship in your academic journey moving forward.
Most Ph.D. programs equip candidates to effectively signal research productivity, which is reflected in various ways in their applications. However, LAC evaluations tend to place a stronger emphasis on teaching, partly due to the challenge of credibly demonstrating enthusiasm for teaching through applications. That said, this does not mean research is secondary—it’s all about finding the right balance. LACs are keen to find candidates who are committed to balancing both research and teaching, and successful applicants are able to convey their dedication to both effectively. With that in mind, here are a few things to consider when crafting your LAC job application:
Cover Letter: Your cover letter is a crucial part of your application, and at LACs, a well-crafted, tailored letter can make a real difference. While some advice suggests that cover letters matter less for academic jobs in general, they are particularly important when applying to LACs. Be sure to carefully read the job ad and directly address its specifics. Emphasize your commitment to undergraduate teaching, detailing your student-centered approach and the courses you are prepared to offer. Additionally, highlight your research agenda and how you plan to sustain it within an LAC environment. Beyond teaching and research, your cover letter should demonstrate how your values align with the institution’s mission and academic culture. If you have a location preference, this is also an appropriate place to mention it. A thoughtful and tailored letter not only helps you stand out but also signals your genuine interest in and understanding of the LAC setting as well the particular institution you are applying at.
Research Statement: Frame your research in a way that is accessible and engaging for a broad audience while maintaining rigor. Your research statement doesn’t need to be tailored specifically for an LAC application; you can submit the same one you prepare for other academic jobs. However, it’s important to avoid making it just a rehash of your CV—remember, the hiring committee already has your CV. Instead, use this space to offer insights into your overall research agenda, your thought process, and how you approach your work. This helps convey the depth of your research and shows how it fits into the larger academic conversation.
Teaching Portfolio: A well-crafted teaching portfolio can include some or all of the following components:
A Thoughtful Teaching Statement: This should begin with a clear teaching philosophy, which serves as the organizing principle for the rest of the statement. It’s important to include concrete examples from your past experiences, showing how your philosophy has been put into practice. Additionally, outline how you plan to continue developing and refining your teaching approach as you grow in your career.
Sample Syllabi and Materials: Include syllabi for courses you’ve taught and sample teaching materials like your notes, slides, or assignments. I found that adding a one-page reflection on a sample lecture material was a helpful addition to my portfolio—it provides a deeper insight into your teaching style and approach. In addition to existing courses, consider including a thoughtful outline or discussion of a course you might like to design and teach in the future. This demonstrates not only your readiness for the role but also your creativity and long-term vision as an educator.
Student Evaluations and Peer Teaching Observations: It’s important to present this information in a clear, digestible way. Highlight specific strengths noted by students and peers, and offer context where necessary to show how you’ve used feedback to improve. Providing details such as the level of each course, the number of students, the maximum score on evaluations, and when the courses were taught can be very helpful in giving reviewers a clearer understanding of the context of the feedback.
Evidence of Innovative Teaching Approaches: LACs value creative and effective teaching methods. If you've used data analysis tools, experiments, policy discussions, flipped classrooms, or any other innovating teaching techniques, include those in your portfolio. Demonstrating an understanding of these pedagogical tools—whether through previous experience or a willingness to engage with them—adds significant value to your application.
Statement on Diversity and Equity: Many LACs ask for a diversity statement as part of the application package. While this requirement varies across institutions, even when optional, a well-written diversity statement can strengthen your application. Avoid generic essays on the importance of diversity—keep it personal, specific, and grounded in your experiences. A strong statement often begins with a brief paragraph outlining your vision, followed by concrete examples of how this vision is embodied in your research, teaching, and service. Even if your direct experience is limited, demonstrate a thoughtful commitment and clear plans for fostering inclusivity in your future work. With the future of DEI initiatives uncertain, it is unclear how these statements will evolve, but they remain an opportunity to signal your understanding of liberal arts values and how your work aligns with them.
Letters of Recommendation: At least one of your letters should emphasize your teaching, ideally from someone who has observed you in the classroom. While a teaching-focused letter is nice to have, it is not essential. The most valuable teaching letters often include classroom observations or detailed insights into your teaching approach. A balanced mix of research-focused and teaching-focused letters is ideal, as this will showcase your well-rounded abilities as both a scholar and an educator.
In recent years, first-round interviews have increasingly shifted to virtual formats. Personally, I think this is a great development, as it allows you to interview from the comfort of your own space and manage your schedule with more flexibility. When preparing for virtual interviews, here are a few things to keep in mind to present yourself well to LACs, though some of these tips will apply more broadly to other institutions as well:
Set Up and Stay Organized: Create a distraction-free Zoom environment with a neutral background and proper lighting—use a ring light, lamp, or natural light to avoid shadows and ensure your face is well-lit. Stay organized by double-checking your calendar, setting reminders, and joining the Zoom room at least 5 minutes early to avoid scrambling for links or getting stuck in the wrong meeting room. While waiting, stay composed—remember, you may be moved into the meeting room at any moment, so avoid awkward gestures or comments.
Be Ready to Talk About Your Research: Most interviews will follow a pretty standard format. You’ll likely be asked to talk about your job market paper, and it’s important to keep this concise. Plan for a brief, 3 to 5 minutes spiel and then pause to see if they want you to continue. From there, you can dive into more details in 5-minute increments. You absolutely want to avoid talking for 15-30 minutes straight without checking in with your interviewers. Some interviewers may have read your paper in detail, so they may ask specific questions. Be prepared to discuss the paper thoroughly, but keep things interactive. In addition to your JMP, prepare 2-minute summaries of your other papers and ongoing projects. This will allow you to paint a picture of your broader research agenda and show that you’re productive beyond just your JMP.
Know Your Teaching Materials and Have Some Reflections: You should also be ready to discuss your teaching materials. Review your teaching statement and any other application materials so that you can refer to them easily during the interview. Tailor your teaching responses to reflect your teaching philosophy, and be prepared to discuss the courses you’ve taught, what went well, and what didn’t. It’s a great chance to show that you’ve learned from your experiences and how you’ll apply those lessons moving forward.
Demonstrate Your Fit for an LAC: Make sure to signal your understanding of the LAC environment. Be prepared with thoughtful responses to why you want to work at an LAC in general, and why you’re particularly excited about this specific institution and department. This is an opportunity to show that you’ve done your research about the school and that your values align with the department’s mission. Quite often, people who have attended LACs for undergrad can have an advantage here, as it's this understanding of the LAC experience that sets them apart. However, don’t let that be limiting if you haven't attended an LAC—this is still your chance to signal your understanding and to map out how you would be a good fit.
Questions for the Interviewers: Research the institution and the position so that you have specific questions ready for your interviewers. It’s completely fine to say that you don’t have any questions at the moment if you’ve already learned everything from the materials they provided, but be cautious when using this approach. For instance, at one of my interviews, I was sent a link to a comprehensive FAQ document for applicants before the interview. I thanked the interviewers for sharing that information, as it was helpful, and mentioned that I didn’t have any further questions at that time.
The Job Talk: Expect a diverse audience, which may include non-economists. It's perfectly reasonable to ask the chair of your hiring committee whether students will be present during your seminar and, if so, who your target audience should be. When delivering your talk, clearly articulate your research question, methodology, and its real-world relevance. Be prepared to discuss how your research connects to your teaching and student mentoring, demonstrating the broader impact of your work.
The Teaching Demonstration: Many LACs require a teaching demo in addition to a research seminar. This is your chance to showcase your teaching skills in action. Use engaging methods—avoid simply lecturing, and instead incorporate discussions, exercises, or interactive elements that make the material come alive. Your enthusiasm is key—demonstrate your passion for teaching and your ability to explain complex concepts clearly and in an accessible way.
Student Meetings: You may have the opportunity to meet with students during your visit—treat these interactions as an important part of your evaluation. Students often provide feedback on candidates, and their impressions can carry weight in the hiring process. Approach these meetings with curiosity and enthusiasm, demonstrating collegiality, adaptability, and a genuine interest in the institution’s academic community. Engaging with students thoughtfully can reinforce your commitment to teaching and mentorship.
Managing Sleep (Applicable generally beyond LACs): If you’re anything like me and have trouble sleeping in the weeks or months leading up to the job market, be prepared—this challenge often gets worse during campus visits. I found that nerves kept me awake the night before, and the adrenaline from an action-packed day made it just as hard to sleep afterward. This becomes especially difficult when campus visits stretch over multiple days. A good strategy is to talk to your physician well in advance—ideally months before—so you have a plan in place to manage sleep issues. If needed, have an SOS sleep aid ready, but I strongly advise against trying anything new, especially medications, while on the job market. The goal is to set yourself up for success without unexpected side effects.
Miscellaneous Tips (Applicable generally beyond LACs): Many others have given this advice before, but I want to emphasize a few things that helped me:
Be mindful of meal choices: If you’re like me and tend to talk a lot and are messy, order something easy to eat in a few bites—you don’t want to be stuck with a half-finished plate or dealing with messy food. Also, a rumbling stomach during meetings or seminars is the last thing you need! It doesn’t hurt to bring a spare blouse in your bag, just in case.
Pack snacks and ask for breaks: Bring protein bars, and don’t hesitate to ask for breaks to eat, grab coffee, or use the restroom. Keep in mind that while your hosts will have shorter meetings throughout the day, you’ll be in back-to-back sessions. Even the most well-intentioned committees may forget to check in about these accommodations.
Wear comfortable clothing: I personally hate dressing up and dreaded the idea of wearing suits, so I found an outfit made entirely of stretchable material for the job market—it was a game changer. I didn’t have to think about my attire at all, and I’ve since bought the same outfit in multiple colors as a wardrobe staple. Dress for comfort, not just formality: For example, don’t hesitate to carry outerwear—you never know when you’ll need it. We all get cold!
Choose practical footwear: I was a bit shameless in my choice of shoes—I mostly wore round-toe booties with minimal heels for campus visits and switched to black loafers for milder weather. I can’t deal with traditional formal shoes and still refuse to adhere to that norm.
Send thoughtful thank-you emails: After your visit, always send a thank-you email to the people you met. Make it thoughtful—follow up on any questions left unanswered and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest and leave a lasting positive impression.
Personal Comfort: It might seem like a small thing, but I used to just rely on whatever toiletries the hotel provided during my travels (I know!). Before the job market, I finally invested in a toiletry kit with silicone bottles and brought my own items for campus visits. There was something comforting about using my usual products—smelling like myself—that helped me feel more at ease during the hectic schedule of meetings.
Job market signaling is a complex and debated topic. While well-intentioned, signals can often be unclear, as economists are skilled at mechanism designing. During my job search, I received conflicting advice—should you signal to your top choice or to schools which can assume that they might not be a priority for you? It’s a nuanced issue deserving of its own discussion. That said, for LACs, signaling can still be valuable, as it can help highlight your interest in balancing teaching and research—something that may not come across clearly in your application materials— or fit with the LAC life or even a geographical location preference.
Beyond the official job market signaling, if a school is a good fit, take advantage of chances to engage with faculty. Introduce yourself at conferences or attend social hours hosted by the institution. These interactions provide an opportunity to express your interest and enthusiasm directly.
During the job market, your physical and mental health can easily take a backseat, but these are often the first to catch up with you. Take proactive care of yourself, starting months before the market begins. My key piece of advice is to address issues early—don’t wait until things become unmanageable. Stay in tune with your body and mind, and implement coping strategies like regular physical activity, therapy, medication, or time with friends. It’s invaluable to have people who understand what you're going through, but also those who know you outside of grad school to help you reconnect with other aspects of your life. Make time for your hobbies—reading fantasy before bed, for example, helped me unwind and escape job market stress. And lastly, I highly recommend planning to take time off during the Christmas break. While market timelines can now vary, most people take time off during this period, and it’s an important opportunity to recharge.
P.S. Putting this together has reminded me of all the lessons I've picked up so far, and I truly appreciate how much I've been set up for success. Now it’s time to roll up my sleeves, dive into research, and give my students the best teaching experience possible to ultimately earn that tenure! 😊