He writes,
I am keen to work with individuals who are exploring how technology is affecting everything – communications, cars, transport, jobs, health, education – an all-round view of the world.
What plausible career alternatives could be available to a telecommunication professional with no formal training in economics but is keen to work with economists as such?
1, Going from one standard occupational identity (telecom professional) to another (economist) is probably not the best strategy. I recommend trying to work toward a hybrid identity. It could involve economics and telecommunications. Or it could combine economics with some other interest.
2. One way to expose yourself to applied economics is to get into management consulting.
3. Venture capital firms also do a lot of applied economics. The Marc Andreessens of the world have to think about how technology is affecting everything. But I have no idea how one goes about joining the VC industry.
4. Get out more. Attend events where you think that you will meet people of the sort with whom you want to interact. To have good luck making and cultivating contacts, project a positive outlook and be a good listener. Do not expect this to come easily or to feel rewarding at first.
An MBA?
Question to Dr. Kling came after I’d considered – and dismissed – the MBA route. Of course it answers the credential and qualification gap, but I reckon I would have had a better chance completing the MBA 20+ years ago.
Thanks, however, for suggesting.
Management consulting might be tougher to break into than venture capital. Based on my limited experience, it’s a real credententialist enterprise, where if you don’t have the right degrees, you ain’t gettin’ so much as a toe in the door.
Yep, realised that a good few years ago. Credentials, compliance and conformance, all of which I don’t do very well.
Thank you, though.