HOW A FINANCE GRADUATE CAN BECOME AN ECONOMIST
Hi Jarus,,
I had BSc and MSc in Banking and Finance with First Class and Distinction respectively, but I really want to switch to Economics. Would you advice me to opt for
PhD Economics, PhD Finance or PhD Banking and Finance as I am presently a Lecturer in a university here in Nigeria.
Ola
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Dear Ola,
If you want to become an economist, it is hardly required that you studied economics for first degree. Professor Pat Utomi studied Mass Communication for first degree, but did his advance degree in a branch of economics and he is a well know political economist today.
However, not having any degree (Bsc, Msc or PhD) in economics will not make you an economist. I also doubt you can enroll for PhD Economics without Masters in economics, as you stated that your masters is in banking and finance.
If the PhD enrolment requirements permit you to enroll for PhD economics without having masters in economics, enroll for Phd Economics. Otherwise, I’m afraid you may need to take Msc Economics before enrolling for PhD economics.
That is the only way you can become an economist. Having Bsc, Msc and Phd in banking and finance can make you an economic analyst (if you contribute regularly to economic discourses in reputable platforms), but you cannot be regarded as an economist without a degree (first, second or Phd) in economics.
I wish you all the best.
Jarus
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In a slightly contrast to what Sir Jarus, Dear Mr Ola you can enrol in PhD Economics even though you have not the two first degree in economics but in Banking and Finance. Prof P.K Garba, the female economic adviser to the president, majored in health science as her first degree and she did MBA as her second degree. She later opted to do her PhD in economics. She is a Prof. in economics and even got her professorship before her husband who was my lecturer.
Being an economist is a very good decision to make.
Thanks for your input.
All you need to do is to register for M.Phil/P.hd Economics. And nothing else!