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A peek into the journey of a Northeastern University graduate student

From the first class to the first taste of industry, the road to an economics degree is a fascinating one, filled with exciting challenges and unique opportunities. Just ask any graduate student at Northeastern University. Just ask a graduate student at Northeastern University. Whether working with local businesses to analyze economic trends or conducting cutting-edge research in behavioral economics, they are always supported with the tools and resources needed to succeed.

As one of the premier programs offered by Northeastern University’s College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH), the Master of Science (MS) in Economics is designed to challenge and inspire students to think critically about the world around them.

It’s not just about academic success. CSSH graduate programs – including MS Urban Informatics, MS Security and Resilience Studies, and MS Applied Quantitative Methods and Social Analysis –  spark personal growth and development as well. Throughout their time at Northeastern, students are encouraged to explore their passions and pursue their interests — however they see fit. While no two paths are ever the same, each is dynamic in its own right. Esther Anu Aladenika — founding president of a Nigerian NGO called the Noble Airstar Charity Foundation — has a journey to prove it. 

From the very first class to the first taste of the industry, the road to becoming an economics graduate is a fascinating one, filled with exciting challenges and unique opportunities. Just ask a graduate student at Northeastern University. Whether working with local businesses to analyze economic trends or conducting cutting-edge research in behavioral economics, they are always supported with the tools and resources needed to succeed.

As one of the premier programs offered by Northeastern University’s College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH), the Master of Science (MS) in Economics is designed to challenge and inspire students to think critically about the world around them.

It’s not just about academic success. CSSH graduate programs – including MS Urban Informatics, MS Security and Resilience Studies, and MS Applied Quantitative Methods and Social Analysis –  spark personal growth and development as well. Throughout their time at Northeastern, students are encouraged to explore their passions and pursue their interests — however they see fit. While no two paths are ever the same, each is dynamic in its own right. Esther Anu Aladenika — founding president of a Nigerian NGO called the Noble Airstar Charity Foundation — has a journey to prove it. 

Growing up in Nigeria, Esther witnessed first-hand how inadequate economic policies hampered her nation’s development. She couldn’t ignore how the country’s rapidly increasing population, reliance on loans and finance budget deficits were leading to massive debt.

“The looming threat of recession highlights the urgency to devise innovative economic policies that can effectively address these pressing issues, not only in Nigeria but also other developing nations,” she says. “This reality sparked my interest in the field of economics, motivating me to pursue a rigorous program that would equip me with the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute to meaningful change.”


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Global challenges hitting too close to home

The start of a new life in the US

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Like many international students, Esther arrived in a new country feeling nervous and uncertain. During her first walk to campus, Google Maps in hand, she suffered a leg injury. Despite this setback, Esther found comfort in the prompt and compassionate care she received at the campus clinic. “They tended to my injury before I continued to class,” she says. 

This first impression provided her reassurance that despite the challenges of being a student far from home, Northeastern University is a place where students can find comfort and support always and especially when they need it most.

“I love the fact that the professor made the course more practical and provided real-life scenarios in classes and on assignments,” she says. 

“Inviting atmospheres,” otherwise known as classrooms

“Mathematics and Statistics” was Esther’s first class at Northeastern University. She remembers it starting with her professor introducing himself and providing a brief overview of the lesson. “What struck me most about this initial experience was the open and inclusive atmosphere, as students from diverse backgrounds engaged in meaningful interactions and knowledge-sharing,” she says.

Esther continues to be enlightened. She’s often seeing the topics she once covered — as an undergraduate — in an entirely new light. Her previous troubles relating to Econometrics concepts were resolved when the professor presented the subject in a fresh way.

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Doors wide open

Educators at Northeastern University aren’t just experts at keeping students engaged; they are also experts at providing unwavering support. Esther considers the guidance and support she received from her mentors as instrumental in her personal and academic growth, allowing her to refine her research skills and develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of the field of economics.

“My favorite lecturers include Dr. Xiaolin Shi, Dr. Mark Hooker, Dr. Nancy Kimelman, and Dr. Bilge Erten – they have provided not only exceptional academic guidance but also valuable career advice that has contributed to my personal growth and development,” she says. “Each of them is approachable and readily available during office hours.”

Out of the classroom and into the industry

Esther credits Northeastern’s CSSH for providing her with a wealth of experiential learning opportunities that have prepared her for the working world. Through individual and team projects, she has developed critical skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation skills. 

But the most significant opportunity she has had is her upcoming co-op placement at Fidelity Investments, one of the top financial services corporations in the world. It wouldn’t have been possible without her professor, Dr. Mark Hooker, and her co-op supervisor Jonathan Andrew — both of whom supported her throughout the interview process. 

“This experience will allow me to immerse myself in the industry and apply the skills and knowledge acquired throughout my studies in a professional environment,” she says. 


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Where aspirations come to life

Through joining various experiential learning projects, Esther has honed a range of practical skills, including problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication. She believes these competencies will give her a competitive edge in the job market and have prepared her for success in a variety of sectors.

In the long run, she hopes to work with international organizations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, using her knowledge to assist developing countries in tackling their unique challenges. “The exposure I have gained through my master's program has not only equipped me with the relevant skill set but also given me the confidence to pursue these ambitious objectives,” says the student.

“Northeastern’s practical approach to education has not only solidified my understanding of the subject matter but has also given me greater clarity and enthusiasm for my professional aspirations,” she says. “My goal is to secure a position at a leading financial institution where I can apply my expertise in economics.”

Dynamic programs that lead to outstanding outcomes

All CSSH graduate programs were designed to nurture the confidence Esther achieved. Her chosen program, the MS in Economics, is a solid choice for those keen on gaining a solid foundation in economic theory, quantitative methods, and policy.

CSSH is also home to an MS in Urban Informatics. This program was designed to instruct future leaders on how to use big data to better understand and serve cities. It combines training in data analytics with a specialized sequence of courses that addresses how data and technology are used to confront key social, infrastructural, and environmental challenges​. 

Those more interested in protecting the world from transnational risks, systemic vulnerabilities, and environmental challenges can pursue the MS in Security and Resilience Studies. This program helps students cultivate the data analysis, leadership, and systemic thinking skills needed to build organizations, communities, and societies that can withstand forthcoming challenges.

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