Muhammed Dönmez, PhD Student, Boston College
Short Bio
- Undergraduate: Bilkent University, Economics, 2021
- Master’s: Economics, 2024, Sabancı University
- During Undergraduate: Research Assistant at Bilkent University; Erasmus student at the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
- Current Position:PhD Student, Boston College
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
What exactly does your current work involve? What is a typical day like for you?
I am currently pursuing a PhD in Economics at Boston College. Most of my days are spent on research and coding (Python/R/Stata). I work as a teaching assistant, hold office hours, and also take doctoral-level courses. The rest of my time is devoted to reading and project writing.
What was the most valuable contribution of your economics education at SU to your career transition?
Since the course content and curriculum closely mirror the U.S. academic system, this education provided direct and concrete contributions both to my PhD application and admission process, and to the courses I am currently taking and the research I am conducting.
Did you enter this field directly after graduation? How did your journey take shape?
Right after completing my master’s at SU, I began my PhD program in the U.S., which had long been my goal; as soon as I finished the program, I completed the application and admission process.
How did the research experience you gained at SU reflect on your current position?
The thesis-writing process at SU strengthened my ability to think in terms of microeconomic theory and taught me how to conduct research systematically from design to analysis and writing. This clarified my academic perspective and gave me concrete experiences that I directly apply in my doctoral studies.
What was your favorite course in SU Economics, and why?
My favorite course during my master’s was Game Theory, taught by Professor Mehmet Barlo, which covered mechanism design topics in detail and with a systematic approach. This course directly aligned with my master’s thesis work and significantly enhanced my analytical thinking and mathematical intuition.
What advice would you give to current undergraduate students?
My advice is to follow current developments systematically and keep improving themselves, remain open to change, and adjust their goals and preferences according to global developments. It is also important to strengthen their quantitative skills (mathematics, statistics, programming) and advance themselves through extracurricular resources and projects.
What would you say to a student who is considering studying economics but is unsure?
If you want to better understand the world and combine social science with mathematics, Economics is an ideal choice for you.
Have you maintained your relationships with professors at SU after graduation?
My connection with my professors at SU remains strong; we are in regular contact. Whenever I visit Istanbul, I make sure to stop by the campus and see my professors.