IMF is Recruiting UMD ECON Students

The IMF is organizing a presentation and interviews for our students. Students are invited to attend an in-person presentation at IMF Headquarters on Monday, November 30, 2026. Following the presentation, the IMF team will conduct preliminary interviews for eligible Economist Program candidates between November 30 and December 4, 2026. Selected PhD candidates will receive a separate communication with their specific interview date and time.

The session will be led by members of the EP team, a Senior Economist, and a former EP participant. It will provide students with an overview of the Economist Program, insights into the work of the IMF, and information on the 2027 recruitment process. The presentation will also include a Q&A segment, giving students an opportunity to engage directly with IMF staff and learn more about career opportunities at the Fund.

While the event is primarily intended for prospective Economist Program candidates, we would also be pleased to welcome other interested students, including candidates for the Fund Internship Program (FIP) and undergraduate economics students interested in the Research Analyst Program (RAP).

The event is open to:

• Prospective Economist Program candidates;
• Candidates interested in the Fund Internship Program (FIP);
• Undergraduate and Master's students interested in the Research Analyst Program (RAP)
• Students wishing to learn more about career opportunities at the IMF.

If you are interested in international economics and research, express your interest by October 6, 2026 using this form: https://forms.gle/dzzDoNhekgAnx5S38

BSOS Be the Solution Workshop: Navigating Difficult Dialogues

Calling all BSOS undergraduates!

Would you like to improve your ability to communicate effectively through challenging topics?

Complete this form to apply for our upcoming interactive workshop where you will learn practical strategies to navigate through tough topics when emotions run high.

Predoctoral Research Specialist at University of Pennsylvania Wharton School

The Rodney L. White Center for Financial Research at the Wharton School is seeking a pre-doctoral Research Associate to support quantitative research in financial economics. The Research Associate will work closely with Finance Professors Patrick Adams, Lu Liu, and Huan Tang. Candidates should have a strong interest in finance and economics research. The selected Research Associate will support research in the fields of monetary policy, FinTech, data economy, and wealth inequality.

The pre-doctoral Research Associate will be responsible for managing and analyzing large, complex datasets to support research projects in these fields. This work will likely involve statistical analysis using programming languages such as Stata, R and Python; computational work using the University of Pennsylvania’s extensive high-performance computing resources; and intelligent use of AI and agentic coding tools. In addition to data-related tasks, the predoc will contribute to other research activities such as reviewing relevant academic literature and policy developments, developing presentation materials, and preparing research papers for submission to top academic journals.

Qualifications

• BA/BS or equivalent in Economics, Finance, Business, Public Policy, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related discipline.
• Independent research experience such as undergraduate research assistantships or thesis research.
• Proficiency in using statistical software such as Stata, R, or Python. Additional coding skills would be valued but not required.
• Experience working carefully with AI and agentic coding tools (e.g. ChatGPT and Claude; Codex and Claude Code), in addition to strong programming knowledge without reliance on these tools.
• The ability to analyze data, create visualizations, and write reports.
• Intrinsic motivation and the capacity to manage work independently.
• A passionate mindset about economic research and quantitative data analysis with the intention of pursuing an economics or finance PhD.

For more information about this position and how to apply, see the Careers@Penn job posting. 

Application Deadline: October 4, 2026.

Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Economics 2026 Statistician Opportunity

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is now accepting applications for Statisticians in the Bureau of Economics! I wanted to reach out to let you know about this great opportunity for seniors and Masters students with coursework in Economics, Statistics, Data Science, or Computer Science. Below, we provide some application information for any of your students that might be interested in the position.

Duties

In this role, you will gain real-world experience by working alongside PhD economists to protect consumers and promote competition in the US economy. Statisticians work with economists to support FTC matters, including:

• providing economic and statistical analysis in support of antitrust and consumer protection investigations and litigations.
• conducting academic research and developing reports on the functioning of markets in the economy

We recommend that you visit our website to learn more information about the experience of a Statistician at the FTC: https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-economics/careers-ftc-bureau-economics/statistician-recruiting


Available Positions

• Statistician GS-07  -The ideal candidate for this position has:
•  A strong interest in and intuition for applied microeconomics;
• Proficiency in programming languages widely used in economics, statistics, and/or data science such as Stata, R, or Python;
• Excitement about conducting data analysis on a wide range of datasets in support of consumer protection and competition missions of the FTC;
• Interest and aptitude in working with PhD economists on economics research projects that serve the mission of the FTC; and
• A desire to grow and build on skills in data analysis and microeconomics.
  
  
• Statistician GS-09 - The ideal candidate for this position has:
• A strong interest in and aptitude for applied microeconomics, data analysis, and computer programming;
• Proficiency in programming languages widely used in economics, statistics, data science, and/or computer science such as Stata, R, Python, SQL, or C++;
• Excitement about analyzing terabyte size datasets to support competition and consumer protection policy and law enforcement;
• Experience conducting statistical, econometric, or data analysis tasks such as regression analysis, model evaluation, machine learning, or Natural Language Processing.

Walmart Economics Job Opportunities

Walmart Economics is hiring juniors for Summer 2027 internships and seniors for full-time roles! We recommend applying by October 4 at 11:59pm CT.  Applications without transcripts will not be considered.

Apply for Internship

Apply for Full-time Role

About the Role: Walmart Economics applies data science, behavioral economics, and experimentation to problems across the company – leveraging Walmart’s vast data to understand causal impacts and influence business strategy. This is a great opportunity both for students who are considering PhD programs as well as students looking for a chance to apply economic theory, data science, and quantitative skills to big data sets and real business problems. We are seeking juniors and seniors studying economics, mathematics, statistics, computer science, or related fields.

Location: 

Hoboken, NJ

REGISTER FOR INFO SESSION ON 9/30 @ 3pm CST

Can't make it? All registered guests will receive a recording. More questions? Email us at EconomicsRecruiting@walmart.com.

Spring 2027 Internship Opportunities with the Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Economics

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is now soliciting interest for unpaid Interns in the Bureau of Economics for Spring 2027. Both full-time and part-time opportunities are available. I wanted to reach out to let you know about this great opportunity for rising juniors and seniors with coursework in Economics, Statistics, Data Science, or Computer Science.

Below, we provide some application information for any of your students that might be interested in the position. We are open to this position being part of a person’s academic course of study (e.g., used for credit or independent study). Additional information about internships within the Bureau of Economics can be found on the FTC website, at: Intern Recruiting | Federal Trade Commission

Duties

In this role, you will gain real-world experience by working alongside PhD economists to protect consumers and promote competition in the US economy. Interns work with economists to support FTC matters, including:

• Providing economic and statistical analysis in support of antitrust investigations, consumer protection cases, and rulemaking.
• Conducting academic research and developing reports on the functioning of markets in the economy.

The ideal candidate for this position has

• A strong interest in and intuition for applied microeconomics.
• Proficiency in programming languages widely used in economics, statistics, and/or data science such as Stata, R, or Python.
• Excitement about conducting data analysis on a wide range of datasets in support of consumer protection and competition missions of the FTC.
• Interest and aptitude in working with PhD economists on economics research projects that serve the mission of the FTC.
• A desire to grow and build on skills in data analysis and microeconomics.

Position details

• Internships will run approximately from mid-January through April/May, with exact start and end dates determined based on candidate availability and the academic Spring Semester at their institution.
• The job location will be on site at the FTC Headquarters Building in Washington DC.
• Spring internships are available on both a full-time and part-time basis. Candidates will be evaluated without consideration of whether they are applying for a full-time or part-time position.
• The position is only available to US Citizens and Nationals.

How to apply

• Send a resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcript to econ_interns@ftc.gov
• The deadline for applications is 10/1/2026 at 11:59PM EST.
• Please note in your email that you are applying for the Spring semester, and whether you are interested in interning at the FTC full-time or part-time.

Tips for the application

• Cover letter: A strong cover letter will include the following:

• A discussion of your interest in economics and the FTC.
• Details on your experience with statistics, econometrics, and programming, including through coursework, class projects, employment, or any other experience.
• Details about your interest and experience with economic research, including any noteworthy projects, employment, or oral presentations.
• Details about your interest and experience in public policy, including in any topics related to antitrust or consumer protection, though these are not required.
• Any other relevant experience or interest.

Graduate School Information Sessions

The University of Maryland offers over 200 degree granting graduate programs. Attending Graduate School offers countless opportunities for professional, intellectual, and personal growth. Graduate degree holders can earn more money over a career and gain access to management and leadership roles. This semester, the Graduate School at the University of Maryland is holding virtual information sessions on earning a graduate degree. The “Why Graduate School” sessions will explore the benefits of pursuing a graduate education. We will also offer a session on “Preparing for Graduate School” where we will explore what it means to prepare for graduate school beyond having a strong academic record. 

To attend a session, please sign up here.

Graduate School Information sessions 

• “Why Graduate School” (in person in TYD 2111)
• Wednesday, September 30 at 4:00pm

• "Preparing for Graduate School" (virtual)
• Wednesday, October 14 at 3:00pm

• “Why Graduate School” (virtual)
• Tuesday, November 17 at 3:30pm 

Topics covered during “Why Graduate School” sessions

• Benefits of earning a graduate degree

• Tips on selecting a graduate school

• Cutting the cost of graduate tuition

Topics covered during the “Preparing for Graduate School” session:

• How is graduate school different from undergraduate study?

• What will I say in a personal statement?

• Who do I ask for a letter of recommendation?

Click here to sign up!

Demystifying a Career Path in Economics Webinar - Sept 18th

 

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York would like to invite college students, recent graduates, professors, and guidance counselors nationwide to attend our Fall 2026 webinar, Demystifying a Career Path in Economics, to be held on September 18, 2026, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. EDT.   The virtual event will provide information about careers in economics and tips for success in the field of economics. New York Fed economists and research analysts (RAs) will discuss the path to becoming an economist, why they chose this path, and their work at the Bank.   Economists and RAs, as well as representatives from the New York Fed’s People and Engagement department, will also cover tips for success in the field of economics (in college and beyond); potential career paths at the New York Fed and in the wider job market; the role of RAs and college-level interns in the Bank; and career-planning resources and mentoring information. Additionally, staff from Outreach and Education will share an overview of the Federal Reserve System.   Please register in advance here:  https://cvent.me/nNBk9R   Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance when registering. There will also be opportunities for Q&A during the webinar.

Maryland AI Security Initiative

The Maryland AI Security Initiative is announcing a 9-week AI Security Fundamentals Fellowship to create a community at UMD dedicated to learning about these questions and meaningfully contributing to their answers. Through weekly meetings (with free dinner!), access to career-planning 1:1s with organizers, mini-projects, and social events, you’ll learn about topics like AI alignment, power concentration, and recursive self-improvement while becoming competitive for SPAR, GovAI fellowships, and similar technical and policy research opportunities.

Join us for one dinner each week to discuss current issues and learn about AI beyond the hype. No technical experience needed: we’re looking for fellows who think and care deeply about the future.

Apply today. Applications close September 20th at 11:59pm. Questions about the fellowship? RSVP to our interest meeting next Monday, 9/14 in IRB4105 @ 7:15 and join our GroupMe!

Email akocoglu@umd.edu with any questions or feedback.

Actuarial Science Info for UMD Students

Welcome to the Fall 2026 semester, for all students interested in Actuarial Math (Insurance Mathematics and Statistics) and potentially interested in an Actuarial Career.

The MATH department has many course offerings related to Actuarial studies -- mostly upper-level STAT courses (STAT 401, 410, 430, 420), plus some Financial Math courses (MATH 424, STAT 470), Data Science (STAT 426) and numerical analysis. The closest thing to an Actuarial track in the Math Major is the Statistics Track, and there is an Actuarial Minor for majors in other departments, and an Actuarial Advisor (Eric Slud, Professor in the STAT Program). See the departmental web-pages for information about the Math Major (Stat-track) and Actuarial Minor, and for general facts and links about the actuarial profession.

• https://www-math.umd.edu/undergraduate/math-majors.html?view=article&id=173:actuarial-science&catid=88
• https://www-math.umd.edu/undergraduate/math-minors.html

There is also an Actuarial Club which has been active in some (but not all) semesters in the past. The activities of the Club have generally included talks on Actuarial Career paths and prospects -- including presentations about internships from area actuarial companies and departments -- and math subject-matter talks given by guest speakers. But the primary role of the Club when it has run actively is as a support and coaching group where students help each other prepare for Actuarial Society exams.

There are currently two undergraduate students -- Christina Palmeri <cpalmeri@terpmail.umd.edu> and Grace Ma <gma0842@terpmail.umd.edu> -- who are interested in co-organizing the Club for this coming academic year. By all means get in touch with them directly if you are interested in joining. But if you are interested in joining, in receiving some academic advising related to Actuarial Studies, or in learning more about the actuarial profession and career paths, then please get in touch with the Club advisor, Professor Eric Slud (slud@umd.edu).