Can I become a sound Economist through Whatsapp Group?
Dear sir
I am a graduate of Economics, still awaiting NYSC mobilization.
If I am to rate myself as an economist, I will say average.
Sir, I have plans of opening a WhatsApp group where people of my level or even those below can learn from well versed economist like you.
Sir, I pray I find God’s favor from you, I plead that you join the group to be giving answers, clarifications and tutorials on economics and its related field. I need to upgrade myself because of the task ahead.
I will be glad, if you do this for me just for humanity sake and out of pity.
I will be eternally grateful sir.
I want to know more on economics, I am not satisfied with my current knowledge about Economics, by standards my knowledge is average.
Also, if there’s any platform you can add me to, so as to improve my knowledge on economics, I will appreciate it sir.
Thank you for granting me the opportunity to talk to you.
I look forward to a favorable response from you sir.
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Dear Worried Gentleman,
Economics is not learned on Whatsapp.
But first, the problem is not peculiar to you, but to many graduates of economics, in Nigeria that I know, and probably elsewhere. That’s why most jobs that are primarily economics-based require Msc Economics as the minimum requirement, and in many cases, even PhD.
The truth is, first degree, almost anywhere, only scratches the surface in economics. There is a very high tendency for an economics graduate, even the one that is above average, to struggle connecting theory to reality in economics.
In fact, there is a school of thought that holds that you cannot refer to yourself as an economist with just a first degree in economics. I used to subscribe to that view, but I don’t, again. First degree in the subject plus well-informed writings and commentaries on the subject on national scale, qualify you as an economist in my view.
The fact that you hardly get the opportunity to analyse topical economic issues, nationally and globally, in many Nigerian universities contribute to this. Many Nigerian universities are still setting questions like “What is elasticity of demand?” in final year economics class!
So I feel you, bro.
Way out?
Read, read, read. There are a lot of information online these days. From Bloomberg to CNN Business & Economy, to BusinessDay locally. You can also read Investopedia to refresh some terms. Of course, you have to read a lot of books on economics.
Follow writers and commentators on economic subject. Fine writers in international publications. You can also follow someone like Tope Fasuaonline.
Improve your knowledge and assess yourself by making contribution to topical issues. Start from your circle, move locally, then nationally.
Don’t be afraid to hold a stupid opinion if you are sure you understand the fundamentals of the topic and you are convinced of your opinion, and can defend it. The good thing is, economic problems hardly have strait-jacketed solution.
And if you really want to be an economist, beyond just having good knowledge of economic analysis, go get a masters (abroad if you can), in addition to the above.
All the best
Jarus
