Suggestions for newly admitted students in Quantitative Economics

Author: Nino Kokashvili



Welcome to Quantitative Economics Program!

As a new semester is approaching,  some practical information about our program may be interesting for many of you. I am glad to share my own experience. Hope you will find it helpful. :)

The program consists of 4 semesters. First 3 semesters are mainly devoted to courses. In 4th Semester you are required to present a master thesis. For the program curriculum, please have a look here. Believe me, all courses are important and necessary to be not only a successful graduate of the program, but also, to become a good, knowledgeable economist, ready for farther development of your career. Some of the courses might seem impractical during studies, you may find it impossible to imagine using them in real-life situations, but according to my experience YOU WILL NEED THEM. So, don't hesitate and take all courses seriously.  Our program is named as QUANTITATIVE Economics, and the name is not accidental. You will have to deal with a lot of mathematics. Don't worry if you don't remember things from pervious study levels, you will train a lot during 1st semester to remember what you knew or study what you haven't done before.  Pay attention to  statistical software classes, they are extremely important, you will use them a lot for thesis writing and afterwards, when you graduate. studying process in intensive, as you will have homework, quizzes, exams and projects weekly.  But do not get afraid, you will get used to it soon and find plenty of free time for other activities. 

The best outcome of the program is neither a diploma nor knowledge, but friends and contacts you make during the studying process. I recommend you to work in groups for homework and help each other. Students on our program are coming from all over the world with diversified backgrounds, thus, you will have different level of knowledge and understanding of issues,  keep this in mind, but  trust me, if you manage to work together and combine all of your knowledge, the work done will be optimal for all of you. Of course, there is no group work on exams, so take into account that fact and don't use others' help for granted, but learn from them. All lecturers are friendly and helpful. Do not hesitate if you find anything difficult. Their aim is to help and educate you. Be honest and hardworking.

Some say, you are not a true student of University of Tarty if you do not fail in at least one course during your entire study period. However, most of us try not to make this statement true.  Courses on our program differ according to level of hardness. Some of them might seem too easy for you while others may create real difficulties. Struggling with studies is not a problem, more important is how to survive and come out from a complicated situation. If you find certain class too demanding and over-difficult for you, do not hesitate and ask your classmates for help,  create working groups. Always talk with your lecturers if you feel lost in course or find it too advanced, they may give you additional studying materials which will help you catch up with others.  It is alright to look for help but at same time work on yourself. I suggest to study daily and do not postpone your work to the very last minute, before exam. You will be busy with revising materials and finishing up projects in the end of semester, so try to distribute time wisely. You are already a student of UT, there is no need to prove yourself by failing in a course. Which I believe will not happen.

I know that many of you are interested in practical work that you are required to have in order to graduate. During studying process some recommendation may be provided about internship places, but it is your own responsibility to find it. So do not wait for last minutes. It is not super easy to find a position, but not that hard as you may imagine. Our lecturers will be happy to give you recommendations if they see your true motivation. Also, during winter-summer holidays you can work abroad and use Erasmus traineeship grant, which is a nice way to finance your expanses.  Important is to keep deadlines. The time goes very fast and I am sure all of you would like to graduate on time. Most of us have managed it without major problems, so I am sure you will :)

Many of you have already asked me and other alumnus, how possible is it to work during studying. I personally do not recommend to work on full time positions, but it is an individual matter. Some people have managed it before. If you believe in yourself and you find it necessary for you, do it! But do not get lost outside university and evaluate your own skills and abilities before. 

What about extracurricular activities? 

I am sure you will find a lot of entertaining places and events in Tartu both inside and outside the university. Our faculty has several good events throughout semester. Be active! Economics is a social science, yes we are Quantitative, but based on logic and intuition. Our program is still new (4th year is coming), you are one of the first generation for the program, so do not hesitate to express your enthusiasm. Come up with interesting event ideas and try to connect them with studies as well. For example, this blog is a result of first year students' will to find a space for current and alumni graduates to communicate, write about important issues in economic world. All of you are already part of this blog, as you are Quantitative Economics students. You are more than welcome to write about anything. Unfortunately, we do not have many writing courses to train you, which made my thesis writing process harder, but maybe, you can practice your skills here. We will be more than happy to help you. 

Wish you all the best for coming semester and good luck!