When Jack Shih-Chieh Lee walks across Convocation Hall on 6 June to collect his MA in Economics, it will end a two-part journey at the University of Toronto. Lee wanted to harness the momentum he built as an undergrad and decided to move directly into the MA in Economics program after completing his BA.
“I decided to pursue my master’s degree immediately after undergrad because I believed it would provide a solid foundation for my career,” Lee said. “The inspiration came from my experiences and the realization that a master’s degree would open more doors for me. I knew that if I postponed it, I might not return to school.”
In transitioning from undergraduate to graduate student, Lee discovered a scholarly culture centred on collaboration among colleagues and understanding innovations in the field.
“The master’s program in economics at U of T has been a transformative experience for me,” he said. “Unlike my undergrad studies, where I explored a broad range of topics, the MA program is much more focused. We engage with cutting-edge research and PhD-level courses, which push us to think critically and stay updated with the latest developments in economics. The cohort is tight-knit, and we support each other through group studies and projects. This sense of community has made the challenging coursework more manageable and enjoyable.”
As an undergrad, engaging in community building, teamwork, and learning how to apply economics to real life eventually led Lee to graduate studies.
“During my undergrad, I was deeply involved in various activities that shaped my academic interests,” Lee remembered. “I served as the VP of Events for the U of T Politics Club, where we organized events and invited MPs to discuss their views on international students and education policies. This role helped me develop leadership skills and a keen interest in policymaking. Additionally, taking ECO 466, a course on monetary policy at the Bank of Canada, was a pivotal moment. The course involved a case competition that deepened my interest in monetary policy, influencing my decision to pursue the MA program.”
Just one year long, the MA in Economics Program offers students the opportunity to take a deep dive into the discipline as a cohort, an element of instructional design that replicates how organizations develop and grow work and project groups.
“We find our people in the program,” Lee explained. “We suffer together, study together, and hang out together. It’s a unique feeling to have, and I like it. The department provides a lot of support, like scheduling people from industry to come speak and then inviting them to stay for face-to-face networking sessions. The department also helped with mock interviews and by providing job postings.”
As Lee prepares to transition from student life to career life, he has been considering exactly what he has learned about the nature of academic work and how its processes will translate in the workforce.
“Collaboration and communication are key skills I’ve honed during my time at U of T,” he said. “In the MA program, the collaborative environment taught me the importance of teamwork and effective communication. Additionally, networking sessions have been invaluable, allowing me to learn from others’ experiences and build meaningful connections. In group assignments, I’ve found that my economic intuition complements my peers’ mathematical skills, creating a balanced and productive team dynamic.”
Lee’s collaboration and communication skills are taking him into the workforce. In September, he will be joining Deloitte as a Transfer Pricing Analyst.
Return to the Department of Economics website.
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