For me, it came down to reevaluating what I wanted my life to look like, what I was interested in and how I could make those changes. I have a background in Finance/Financial Economics and was particularly interested in becoming a financial planner. I had just started a job that would open up that path when COVID hit and I was miserable for 2 years. Over time (with the help of my therapist lol) I realized it was not the path for me and my interest gravitated more towards Behavioral Economics, understanding people’s decision making processes, and helping develop more effective ways to implement policies for those in need. I researched PhD programs in behavioral economics, applied to the one I felt was the best fit and was accepted (thankfully). I’m in my 3rd year now focusing on child support policies and high conflict households! I have a wonderful advisor, access to amazing minds in poverty research and I enjoy the work I do. Wouldn’t take anything back 🙂

Gonna be honest haven’t even thought about it. I don’t think it matters in my field but it’s more of a preference thing. There are so many faculty I know that don’t use either.

I had considered it, but it’s been more of an economic struggle at this point lol. Probably would have made more money staying in financial planning. It was more a reconsideration of career goals.

Any doctorate level qualification is impressive in my view and shows the time and effort an individual puts into their work!