[Editor's note: for an updated profile on Mason after graduating from MQE, please read this interview on the MQE page.]
Meet Mason Putt, the first applicant and enrollee to the new MS in Quantitative Economics (MQE) degree program. Mason will be graduating on May 1, 2021 with the first cohort of MQE graduates.
What did you study as an undergraduate student and what were your academic goals?
When I came to Pitt in 2017, I planned on studying statistics and probability, but I wasn’t entirely sure what space that would lead me into. At first, economics was just a way for me to fulfill my general education requirements. I quickly realized how the field of economics relies so heavily on data analysis, and I saw that as a way to make a positive impact on the world. I completed my undergrad in three years with a BS in Economics-Statistics and a minor in Sociology.
Why did you choose the MQE Program?
After coming out of undergrad, I still didn’t have a clear path to transition into my professional career. The MQE program appealed to me because it combines technical training with professional development to help us learn workforce skills and network with industry leaders. I viewed it as an opportunity to open the door to many careers that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
What has been the biggest surprise about the MQE Program?
The biggest surprise to me has been the creative way by which the program adapted to cater to our professional needs in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the unique learning circumstances that the last year has brought, the program still has managed to promote teamwork and making personal connections with classmates, professors, and professionals. One of the biggest skills I’ve taken away from this experience has been learning how to effectively communicate and collaborate via Zoom and other virtual means.
What would you tell others considering the MQE Program?
I strongly recommend the MQE program to any student or professional that is looking to broaden their existing skillsets and develop a plan for their career future. My undergraduate studies did an excellent job of teaching me the foundational theories and methods of economics, but this focuses heavily on real-world applications and techniques that have made me feel very prepared to enter the workforce.
How has the MQE Program impacted your future career goals?
After receiving guidance from my professors and advisors, I now have a much clearer path forward in my professional future. The program helped me to land a research internship with the RIDC during the fall semester and has connected me with the consulting firm Fourth Economy to complete a capstone project during the spring. These experiences have helped me realize that I’d like to pursue a career that focuses on economic and community development.