How can you network with economists and stay current on research?

Networking is an essential skill for any professional, but especially for economists who want to learn from their peers, collaborate on projects, and advance their careers. However, networking can be challenging in a field that is constantly evolving and producing new research. How can you network with economists and stay current on research? Here are some tips to help you.

Key takeaways from this article

Engage in online forums:

Join platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn to connect with diverse economists. Participate in discussions, follow relevant groups, and build a strong online presence to stay updated.### *Participate in events:Attend webinars and conferences hosted by academic institutions or think tanks. These events offer direct interaction with experts and peers, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities.

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1 Join online communities

One of the easiest ways to network with economists and stay current on research is to join online communities that are relevant to your interests and goals. Online communities can be platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, or Reddit, where you can follow, connect, and interact with economists from different backgrounds, sectors, and locations. You can also join specific groups, forums, or newsletters that focus on topics or subfields of economics that you are curious or passionate about. Online communities can help you discover new ideas, insights, and opportunities, as well as build your online presence and reputation.

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2 Attend events and webinars

Another way to network with economists and stay current on research is to attend events and webinars that are organized by academic institutions, professional associations, or think tanks. Events and webinars can be opportunities to learn from experts, ask questions, and exchange opinions on current issues and trends in economics. You can also meet and network with other attendees who share your interests and goals. Events and webinars can be online or offline, depending on the availability and accessibility of the organizers and speakers.

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3 Read journals and blogs

A third way to network with economists and stay current on research is to read journals and blogs that publish high-quality and relevant research in economics. Journals and blogs can help you keep up with the latest findings, methods, and debates in the field, as well as expose you to different perspectives and approaches. You can also use journals and blogs as sources of inspiration, feedback, and collaboration for your own research or projects. You can find journals and blogs that suit your needs and preferences by browsing online databases, directories, or recommendations.

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Chase Ochsner

Texas A&M Graduate Student | Labor Economics | Film Enthusiast | IWU Alumnus | PADI Open Water Diver
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When I was a student and couldn’t afford some of the journal memberships, I would send an email to one of authors of the research paper I was interested in. Nine times out of ten, they were extremely generous and enthusiastic about our field. Or, if you read a paper that truly inspires you, email the authors and explain your appreciation. It’s a quick and simple way to show your admiration!

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4 Participate in projects and competitions

A fourth way to network with economists and stay current on research is to participate in projects and competitions that challenge you to apply your skills and knowledge to real-world problems or scenarios. Projects and competitions can be opportunities to showcase your abilities, learn from others, and receive recognition and rewards. You can also meet and network with other participants, mentors, judges, or sponsors who can offer you advice, support, or opportunities. You can find projects and competitions that match your interests and goals by searching online platforms, websites, or newsletters.

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5 Reach out to mentors and peers

A fifth way to network with economists and stay current on research is to reach out to mentors and peers who can help you grow and develop as an economist. Mentors and peers can be professors, colleagues, alumni, or contacts who have more experience, expertise, or connections than you. You can reach out to them by sending an email, a message, or a request for a meeting or a call. You can ask them for guidance, feedback, referrals, or collaboration on your research or career goals. You can also offer them your help, gratitude, or appreciation in return.

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Ishita Bagchi

Gender Rights Advocate | Writer | Public Policy Professional
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I had one of the most enriching experiences that I had through cold emailing and DMing people on Linkedin. In this process, I not only made a great friend but also got to learn so much. The person I am talking about is of my age but has quite a lot of different perspectives on various common issues. Learning from him, interacting with him on a regular basis has also helped me refine my own perspectives too. And again, social sciences, especially economics and public policy can be the most accurate only when you take into account diverse opinions and perspectives rather than sticking to your own biases. Learning by unlearning is the key to gain more knowledge from your peers in the industry.

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6 Create and share your own content

A sixth way to network with economists and stay current on research is to create and share your own content that showcases your skills, knowledge, and opinions in economics. Content can be articles, blogs, podcasts, videos, or presentations that you produce and publish online. Content can help you demonstrate your expertise, express your views, and attract your audience. You can also use content to engage with other economists who can comment, share, or respond to your content. You can also use content to promote your research or projects, or to invite others to join you.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Haig R. Nalbantian

Co-President/Co-Founder, Workforce Sciences Institute; pioneering Labor/Organizational Economist and Workforce Scientist, well-known authority on Human Capital Measurement and Management, Advanced Workforce Analytics
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This article focuses on how best to network with other economists. In my own career, I found that networking and engaging with professionals in other social science and business disciplines can spur even greater professional growth and impact as an economist. Other disciplines bring different perspectives and different data too. I learned this early in my economic research on group incentives. Interacting with Industrial/Organizational Psychologists and Compensation/HR practitioners made me realize the enormous possibilities arising from bringing the learnings and methods of these disciplines together. This made my career. Break the boundaries. Broaden your networks and your thinking. Only good will come from that. It certainly did for me.

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Ishita Bagchi

Gender Rights Advocate | Writer | Public Policy Professional
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Reach out, talk, and approach as many people as you can. That's all. It is as simple as that. I personally have not only been able to make great friends through this but also have been able to polish myself professionally. Economics and public policy is such a field that it is always evolving and you need to stay updated with ongoing situations if you want to be an expert in the true sense. This requires talking to as many people as possible, from the industry as well as from outside. Don't limit yourself to people from the industry. Talk to people who are not from the industry to get a common man's perspective. This will further help you to make your problem statements more nuanced and give you a higher probability of getting it right.

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How can you network with economists and stay current on research?

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1 Join online communities

2 Attend events and webinars

3 Read journals and blogs

4 Participate in projects and competitions

5 Reach out to mentors and peers

6 Create and share your own content

7 Here’s what else to consider

Economics

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How can you network with economists and stay current on research?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Join online communities

2 Attend events and webinars

3 Read journals and blogs

4 Participate in projects and competitions

5 Reach out to mentors and peers

6 Create and share your own content

7 Here’s what else to consider

Economics

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