Columbia University’s MAE Program: A Personal Reflection

As a student navigating the rigorous landscape of higher education, I find myself reflecting on my experiences during the first two weeks of the Master’s program in Applied Economics (MAE) at Columbia University. This isn’t a narrative crafted from extraordinary talent; rather, it’s a candid look at a typical student’s journey through this academic gauntlet. So, let’s unpack my initial thoughts and experiences!

Is It Really What It Seems?

Online evaluations of the MAE program are abundant, but often lack the depth needed to understand the real dynamics at play. A written review can sometimes amplify frustrations or misrepresent capabilities. After two weeks of classes, my feeling is that enrolling here often feels like paying a hefty tuition fee—over $70,000—only to feel like a subpar participant. It’s akin to buying a ticket for an arduous ride.

Job Platforms and Resources: A Mixed Bag

One peculiar aspect of my experience so far has been the limited access to job resources. For instance, the “Handshake” platform, which could otherwise help connect students with employment opportunities, is not available to master’s students. This might indicate a reluctance among the program directors to let master’s students come off as less competent, or they might simply disregard us altogether.

Furthermore, the “Compass” tool provided by GSAS (Graduate School of Arts and Sciences) has yet to win me over. On my first exploration, I clicked through to a company’s website only to discover it was an expired job listing. This didn’t instill much confidence in the resources offered, though I remain hopeful that there are still some useful tools hidden within.

The Reality of Networking Opportunities

The challenges continued when a coordinator announced a company presentation open for students. I rushed to sign in after class, only to find that the event was exclusively for undergraduates. It was disappointing not only to be ushered out but to receive only a few pizza slices as consolation. Even in the dining halls, it seems graduate students are limited in using meal plans, which adds to the feeling of exclusion.

Reflecting on Academic Rigor

Now, diving into the academic side of things: I’ve come across discussions surrounding the quality of instruction. While I believe our professors are undoubtedly knowledgeable, some peer comparisons suggest we may not be at par with similar programs. Only one out of the four core classes is taught by a full-time professor, with others being run by long-time lecturers or the program director.

As for the course material, so far I find the difficulty manageable, with the exception of the microeconomics proofs, which I’m still trying to wrap my head around. Thankfully, the tasks ahead seem reasonable for now—though homework can feel overwhelming at times. Completing four problem sets each week requires significant time commitment. 😅

Ultimately, What is the MAE Program?

A friend humorously said that the MAE is a stepping stone because it seems to cocoon its 85 students into one classroom with limited resource access. The intention might be to encourage intense collaboration and competition, guiding us towards PhDs inadvertently. All in good humor, of course!

This is all for now. Stay tuned for my next update as I continue this challenging yet rewarding academic journey! 💤

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