UWeconomics | Page 7

PHILLIP CURRY

3) What are specific characteristics that your top successful

students possess?

I think the main characteristic is to get started on work (assignments, studying, essays) early. Very little of what we do in economics can be done by applying simple formulas - typically, a lot of thought has to go into simply figuring out how to start. Students that start early give themselves lots of time to think, which generally has a huge impact on the quality of work.

4) What strategies did you use to be successful in the academia world?

I try to talk and listen to my colleagues (and students!) as much as possible. The University (and the Economics Department, specifically) is full of incredibly smart people with incredible insight. I have definitely learned more from discussions in class and in the hallways than I ever learned as a student.

5) What advice would you give to your students about how to avoid

pitfalls in school?

I think the best way to avoid pitfalls is a combination of all the answers above. Stay on top of things (don't leave things to the last minute), and take advantage of your fellow classmates and instructors. Talk to them about what's going on in class (and in the world in general) as much as possible.

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