Interview Insights from a Graduate Student: Ole Agersnap's Perspective Shared
In the heart of Princeton, nestled amidst the picturesque campus, we had a fascinating conversation with Ole Agersnap, a first-year student in the Economics PhD program. Our meeting took place in the Princeton Chapel Choir, where we both sing as baritones.
Ole's journey to academia is an inspiring reminder that plans can change, and it's best to try things out and adjust accordingly. After working in the financial sector for a year, Ole decided to pursue a PhD in Economics, a decision that might have been influenced by factors such as a desire for deeper theoretical knowledge, a wish to contribute to economic research, long-term career goals, exposure to complex economic issues, and a desire for personal growth and specialization.
Ole's fascination with economics stems from a family background of discussing politics and a high school interest in mathematics. He finds economics appealing because it offers a combination of hard work, proofs, data, and theory to discover things about society. His master's degree from the London School of Economics (LSE) provided a solid foundation, and he was pleasantly surprised by the quality of faculty members in the Princeton Economics PhD program.
As a first-year student, Ole is still taking core courses and has not fully transitioned into research yet. However, he often thinks of research ideas and writes them down to have a list of potential topics to choose from. The best part of his experience so far has been meeting with world-class economists.
Living in Princeton and experiencing its beautiful campus has been better than Ole expected. Despite the hard work, his experience in the Ph.D. program has been great. He finds it reassuring that Ole tried one career path before pursuing a Ph.D., and this experience has undoubtedly enriched his academic journey.
This interview is part of a series titled "Graduate Student Reflections," where we delve into the lives and thoughts of students pursuing advanced degrees. As a Social Sciences Correspondent, I find it reassuring that individuals like Ole, who have tried different paths, are bringing their unique perspectives to academia. Their stories remind us that plans can change, and it's best to be open to new opportunities.
Ole's journey to academia, characterized by a strong desire for personal growth, learning, and self-development, is a testament to the importance of adjusting plans and trying new paths. His decision to pursue a PhD in Economics, driven by a combination of factors including academic curiosity, career aspirations, and a wish to contribute to economic research, serves as an example of how dynamics from both personal and professional life can influence educational choices.
Through his experience in the Princeton Economics PhD program, Ole has discovered the rewarding combination of hard work, theoretical exploration, and societal insights that comes with the pursuit of education and self-development, further emphasizing the value of higher learning in personal growth.
