“Within our curriculum, we have the chance to take an internship”
Marvin Meincke, a dedicated MSc Economics student, is currently enhancing his academic journey with a hands-on internship at the Department of Economics. His experience highlights the opportunities provided by the programme, blending theoretical education with practical research skills.
Choosing MSc Economics
Marvin’s decision to pursue an MSc in Economics was driven by a desire to delve deeper into economic analysis. “During the undergraduate studies one merely scrapes on the surfaces of economic analysis, hence I wanted to learn more,” he explains. The versatility of the economic toolkit, applicable in various fields, further solidified his choice.
Programme highlights
Reflecting on his coursework, Marvin expresses enthusiasm for the graduate Econometrics course. “I particularly liked graduate Econometrics taught by Xiyu Jiao, Yun Xiao, and Yannik Obelöer. It taught us the theory and methods on how to master econometrics,” he shares. He also praises Charles Nadeau for his pedagogical brilliance in teaching mathematics for economic analysis and microeconomic theory.
Marvin appreciates the programme’s ability to model real-world problems and analyze them with straightforward methodologies. “We obtain a rigorous education in economic theory plus much practical know-how in the form of labs, case studies, and problem sets,” he notes. The integration of programming skills adds a fun and valuable dimension to their studies.
Engaging with Industry
The programme’s connection with industry is evident through courses like Advanced Industrial Organizations, where students interact with professionals from the Swedish Competition Authority and RBB. “Both visits were very insightful and motivating,” Marvin recalls.
Hands-on learning
Marvin’s current internship as a research assistant at the Department of Economics is a standout aspect of his academic journey. “Within our curriculum, we have the chance to take an internship over the duration of 10 weeks that consists of 15 credits,” he explains. After a competitive application process and an interview, Marvin secured one of the five available positions.
Working under the supervision of Professor Ola Olsson, Marvin and his colleague are involved in three different research projects. “It is a great time and it gives us the opportunity to learn how research is done and how academia functions,” he says. This hands-on experience is complemented by lunch lectures where researchers present their work, offering insights into the path of a PhD student and current research trends.
Future aspirations
Looking ahead, Marvin is focused on finding a job after graduation, ideally in Sweden. “In my dream job, I collect, process, and analyze data, to then run regressions on it. So becoming a Data Analyst is the goal for the next years,” he shares.
Studying in Sweden
As a student from northern Germany, Marvin appreciates the cultural similarities and the unique aspects of studying in Sweden. “What I truly like about studying in Sweden are the constructive group works, the calm way of communication to one another, and the lecture breaks after each 45 minutes of lecture,” he notes. These breaks provide time for fika, fostering a relaxed and productive learning environment.
Marvin Meincke’s journey through the MSc Economics programme exemplifies the blend of rigorous academic training and practical experience, preparing students for successful careers in economics and beyond.