Welcome, Master of Arts in Economics Students!

Source: https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu/welcome-mae-students/ Parent: https://careeradvancement.uchicago.edu/

Congratulationsagain on your admission to the University of Chicago’s Master of Arts in Economics (MAE) program!

We are excited to welcome you into a community of scholars who are committed to making an impact in their chosen fields. MAE students receive extensive, tailored career support throughout the program, including individualized advising, “Recruiting Ready” preparation, weekly career sessions, and access to prestigious global opportunities.

Here’s an overview of what your career experience will look like, including exciting early engagement opportunities this summer and career development resources offered throughout your academic journey.

Contact Cristina Rodriguez at crrodriguez@uchicago.edu with any questions. We look forward to working with you!

MAE Career Opportunities Timeline

• Summer 2026 | Student Research Applications Open

MAE students are encouraged to apply for paid research assistantships with the Griffin Applied Economics Incubator. Selected students will work on innovative, real-world research alongside faculty. Projects span a wide range of timely topics, including AI in the workplace, spatial dynamics, parental beliefs and child development, trust and decision-making in healthcare, and more.

Applications will open in Summer 2026. Selected students will receive offers in early Fall 2026 and work for one quarter in either Winter Quarter 2027 or Spring Quarter 2027. The research assistantship will be approximately 10 hours per week for 8 weeks.

• Early June 2026 | Career Adviser Matching

Based on the information you shared in the career survey, you will be matched with a career adviser, who has expertise in your area(s) of interest. Your career adviser will reach out to introduce themselves and invite you to schedule a virtual meeting in June.

• Late June 2026 | China Career Programs

Please save the dates for our MAE early engagement career events in China this summer where you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Meet recruiters from leading companies who want to hire exceptional master’s students
• Participate in special career programming and a networking dinner to connect with local UChicago alumni and employers
• Prepare for the recruiting process in highly competitive industries like consulting, finance, and technology

• Save the dates:

  • Shanghai Career Bootcamp & Career Fair: June 22-23
  • Beijing Career Bootcamp & Career Fair: June 25-26

The career programs in China will take place in person. While there are no fees to participate, students are responsible for their travel and lodging costs.

Employer Partners: see grid below for confirmed employers participating in the career fairs.

• July - August 2026 | Optional Practicum Course

This virtual, non-credit practicum course is an opportunity for students with US work authorization to participate in a 2-3 week micro internship in July or August. There is no fee to enroll, and students will be matched with an employer to support unpaid project work virtually.

The practicum is optional for students who want to get a head start on career development over the summer. Information about how to register will be shared in Spring 2026.

• August 2026 | China Career Fairs

• Beijing: August 10

• Shanghai: August 12
• Hong Kong: August 17
• Shenzhen: Mid-August

Information about how to register will be shared in Spring 2026.

• September 2026 | Recruiting Ready Virtual Training Series

This summer “bootcamp” will prepare you for the recruiting process in highly competitive industries.

• September 28, 2026 | Fall Career Fair

Students can connect with over 100 employers looking for both full-time hires and academic year or summer interns.

• September 30, 2026 | Finance and Consulting Industry Showcase

Connect with employers who are committed to hiring from UChicago! At this event, you'll have the opportunity to meet selected financial services, consulting, and corporate organizationsthrough open networking and one-on-one coffee chats.

• September 2026 - June 2027 | Weekly MAE Career Workshops

At these weekly academic year events just for MAE students, you will learn new skills, network with industry leaders, and have opportunities to meet employers. The cohort will meet on Fridays from 12-1pm beginning in Fall 2026. These events will have two formats:

• All-Student Sessions: hear from guest speakers and employers who will work with students through cases exploring real-world applications of your master’s education. These sessions will include connections with consulting firms, finance companies, and policy think tanks
• Tailored Small Group Sessions: in these small-group meetings, you will meet with your career adviser for a session tailored to the cohort’s interests. Students will be matched with career advisers based on their specific professional interests and prior experience.

Workshops will include:

• Industry Speaker Series
• Local Site Visits with Employers
• Practice Interviews with Booth MBAs and UChicago Alumni
• Offer Strategy and Salary Negotiation
• Succeeding in the Workplace Series: problem solving skills, business writing and presentation skills, ethics, listening and critical thinking skills, receiving feedback, preparing for meetings, communicating outcomes, and showcasing key performance indicators
• Insights Panel: discussion panel featuring industry leaders, Economics faculty members, and networking