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Meet Elena Mosar, a 24-year-old PhD candidate at the University of Lausanne, specializing in the economy of wars and crime. She recently graduated with a Master of Science in Economics from HEC Lausanne. In this interview, Elena reflects on her decision to pursue a Master's degree in Economics, emphasizing the program's blend of mathematics, applied studies, and a wide range of courses. She discusses the inspiration behind her academic path and how the Master's program equipped her with the knowledge needed for her future goals.
COULD YOU PLEASE TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND IN WHICH YEAR YOU GRADUATED WITH THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ECONOMICS AT HEC?
Hello, my name is Elena, I am 24 and currently in my first year PhD in the field of economy of wars and crime at the University of Lausanne. I obtained my Master's degree in Economics at the University of Lausanne in July this year. Originally from Lugano, I grew up in the canton of Fribourg, where I did a bilingual Bachelor's degree in Economics. Then, I moved to Lausanne for the Master's degree. During my studies, I was lucky enough to take part in two university exchange programs, one in Budapest (HR) during the Bachelor and the other in Bologna (IT) during the master. Then, if I need to tell a few things about me, expect my “love” for studies and economics, I have a passion for gymnastics. I spend my free time travelling around the world and enjoying life with my friends and family
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A MASTER'S DEGREE IN ECONOMICS, AND HOW DID THE PROGRAM HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
For me, Economics offers the possibility of linking mathematics, a science that I appreciate, in a way that is applied to the functioning and development of our life and society. The Master's degree in Economics appealed to me because of the wide range of offered courses, mixing macroeconomics, microeconomics and quantitative studies, all those combining equations as well as intuitions. In addition to the intellectual enrichment of the lectures, I thought that it would enable me to acquire the knowledge I need for my future goals.
COULD YOU PLEASE TELL US ABOUT A PARTICULAR PROJECT OR RESEARCH EXPERIENCE YOU HAD DURING YOUR MASTER'S PROGRAM THAT WAS ESPECIALLY IMPACTFUL OR MEMORABLE?
The most significant research aspect of my Master's degree was, of course, my Master's thesis. Doing your first research, with your own ideas and your own interests, is really stimulating. It wasn't the easiest challenge, but the professor I was working with (thank you Professor Rohner) was able to guide me through the different stages of research. I found it particularly interesting (and time-consuming) to have to build up my own database. Then, it was really satisfying to be able to carry out a statistical and economic analysis, to come up with a result that had never been presented before. The fact that the research is unique gave me a certain pride and satisfaction. And of course, linking the resulting numbers to geographical and historical aspects to interpret them made the work even more interesting.
When you say "memorable and impactful project" I feel obliged to mention my exchange semester in Italy (Bologna). It doesn't concern research, but I can guarantee that the experience was undoubtedly memorable and had only positive impacts both on an intellectual and personal level.
WHAT SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE DID YOU GAIN DURING YOUR MASTER'S PROGRAM THAT YOU USE ON A REGULAR BASIS IN YOUR CURRENT JOB?
I would say that I regularly use all the economic knowledge I acquired during the lectures. Indeed, they help me understand and use economical concepts I am confronted with in the papers I study and seminars I attend. Secondly, the research methodology acquired during the elaboration of my Master thesis is undoubtedly an primordial aspect in my life as a PhD student. Last but not least, the curiosity and critical thinking skills I developed during the various courses of the Master's degree in Economics are a daily part of my current research.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CURRENT STUDENTS IN THE MASTER'S PROGRAM IN ECONOMICS, BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES AND CAREER JOURNEY?
First, it seems obvious: study. But study intelligently. Take advantage of the opportunities presented to you, and benefit from the knowledge and help of your professors and their assistants. Absorb and retain the main economic concepts. But above all, help each other. This Master's degree is so much easier and fun with the support of classmates. Secondly, be curious, take an interest and develop knowledge in specific topics that appeals to you. Then, do a semester abroad. It really is an experience not to be missed, I insist. And last but not least, make the most of those last years of study. In addition to all the hours you spend at the library, meet new people, get involved in the associations, party, laugh (a lot), build friendships, love, … and enjoy as much as possible these university years; they are among the best!
We thank Ms. Elena Mosar, for her valuable time and advice!
Author: Ümmügülsüm Çavuş
