Mikala

Why did I choose my programme (and CBS)?
After finishing my Bachelor's degree in International Business and Politics at CBS, I wanted to continue onto a more quantitative and theoretical Master's degree that would help prepare me for a potential PhD programme in the future. This is when I discovered CBS' cand.oecon./Advanced Economics and Finance programme, which sounded like the perfect match for me as someone who is primarily interested in economics, but also wants to understand the relationship between the two highly interrelated disciplines of economics and finance.

What do I like the best?
My favourite course so far is Econometrics, taught by Prof. Ralf Wilke. In fact, Ralf's elective course in Økonometri, which I took on my Bachelor's, is what inspired me to apply for cand.oecon. in the first place. Econometrics is a course that not only challenged me academically, but has also given me the opportunity to achieve progressive learning in the sense that it has provided me with the foundation to build upon in the future. This, to me, is a crucial feature of learning, which I believe cand.oecon. provides.

How do I experience the difference in academic level between my bachelor and master programme?
One of the main reasons I applied for the cand.oecon. programme was to be challenged academically and, compared to my Bachelor's, I would say that I definitely have been. For me personally, studying cand.oecon. has required long days in the library, constantly preparing for exams, and always feeling like I am a bit behind in every course. Even though this may not sound too appealing to most people, this is exactly what I had hoped for and what I wanted from my Master's. Also, I think that when you enjoy what you are studying, it is worth it.

What are the biggest challenges in my programme?
One of the biggest challenges in studying cand.oecon. is the constant pressure you are under – the next exams and assignments are always just around the corner. However, despite the heavy workload associated with the programme, the fact that all your peers are in the exact same situation and, in most cases, are as hardworking and determined as you are is a great source of motivation. This also means that although you most likely will spend a lot of time in the library, you will be surrounded by all of your classmates

What would I have liked to have known before starting my programme?
I think it is worth emphasising that while the programme is academically challenging, it is not ALL about studying. This was one of my concerns before starting the Master's. Indeed, one of the things I love about cand.oecon. is that we still find the time to see each other (outside the library, that is).

In addition, something that some tend to overlook before starting cand.oecon. is just how theoretical it is. Naturally, this is a plus if that is what you are interested in, but it is something you should be aware of. 

What do I want to do after finishing my programme?
After finishing my Master's, I intend to do a PhD in the field of economics. As I have always enjoyed learning and delving into theory and methodology, the PhD seems like the natural progression for me. However, I am not entirely sure what I want to do after my PhD yet. A few possibilities I am considering include going into academia or working as a quantitative analyst in the financial/economic sector. In any case, I believe cand.oecon. opens a wide range of doors nationally as well as internationally.

If I could give myself a piece of advice, before starting it would be…
To not worry too much about the academic level of the programme. It is something that is often highlighted about cand.oecon., and that I have also put great emphasis on in my answers, but, given that you fulfil the formal requirements of the programme, I would not be too concerned. The programme is difficult but not impossible.

For those who, like me, do not come from a maths-heavy educational background, I would highly recommend doing the prerequisite readings assigned before starting, as you will not have a lot of time to catch up later.