What's economics academia like?

[ShrimpsSheds]

I'm asking because my son is going to going to finish his economics degree at LSE and will stay on for a master's. He absolutely LOVES environmental and development economics so much. He loves the intertwine between the two as well. He purposely goes to and listens in to research seminars and presentations. If there's a conference presentation, he'll try and sneak in and listen. He finds the research and the approach so so interesting, and especially loves the real world grounded take it has. He's helped as an UG research assistant where he can.

What does it take to be the top tier professor that is the one leading this research? I assume it's incredibly difficult, and all dependent on funding and grants? What's it like to actually be the academic staff member instead of just the keen student who is absolutely in love with the subject? How is the life?

come over to the board called "university staff common room" for replies from professors etc.

i'm a prof (not in economics) but can give an idea of the general career.

after an MSc (with a distinction), your DS needs to apply for a PhD. the PhD supervisor is a crucial person who will train DS and guide their career, so pick someone nice and academically strong. Ask all possible supervisors about how to get a funded PhD (and don't do an unfunded PhD). Different universities have different funding mechanisms, but there are some funds available. it is fine to apply for PhDs at Oxford + Cambridge + LSE + UCL at the same time and then go with whichever gives funding.

To become a prof is not easy but not impossible. it takes hard work, luck and a lot of persistence. But a PhD can lead someone in lots of interesting directions, so if your DS is interest in this then he should go for it. the most important step at this stage is to tell all his tutors / profs that he wants to apply for a PhD and ask their advice.

@parietal thank you! Do you enjoy your work?

I love my work. It is hard work but finding out new stuff and working with excellent students and colleagues is great fun. I couldn't imagine doing anything else.