Education: Bachelor's Program, Department of Economics, National Dong Hwa University; Master's Program, Department of Economics, National Dong Hwa University

Current Position: Project Manager, AI Di+ Experimental Project Operations Center, College of Education, National Dong Hwa University

Familiar people and surroundings, a familiar system, and the same degree and field of study—why not continue working toward your goals in an environment and atmosphere you are already comfortable with? This is not about choosing the easy path. Rather, it is about carefully evaluating different options, minimizing all potential risks, and finding the arrangement that works best for you.

That sounds quite consistent with the way economics teaches you to think and analyze, doesn't it? (raises an eyebrow)

To be perfectly candid, that was exactly what I thought at the time!

And that is where the story began……

An Unintentional Decision May Become the Most Important “Boost” on Your Future Path

As I was enjoying my junior year, settling into the rhythm of university life, and gradually becoming immersed in economic thinking, my project advisor casually asked, “Are you interested in pursuing a master's degree?” That single question immediately set in motion a plan I had never considered before. The University has long encouraged students to complete bachelor's and master's degrees within five years (at least it had since I enrolled, though saying that may reveal my age a little :P). Simply being able to make good use of time and earn a degree earlier than my classmates was already a major advantage. On top of that, I am risk-averse. Perhaps I could have been admitted to one of Taiwan's top universities and taken my studies to another level—but what if I had not been accepted? I also knew very well that I was not a particularly self-disciplined test taker. I would have needed external pressure to push myself to prepare seriously for the difficult challenge of graduate school entrance examinations, and that would certainly have cost a considerable amount of money……

Exactly—one additional year for another degree, no additional credit fees for master's-level courses taken during the undergraduate years, and even opportunities to serve as a teaching assistant. With such excellent value, why not give it a try? At the time, I did not overthink it. With a bit of fearless determination, I simply decided to pursue graduate studies. There was no great internal struggle or elaborate calculation; everything unfolded naturally, and before I knew it, I had graduated. In fact, pursuing further education does not require some grand ambition or lofty ideal. Once you have made up your mind, you can take action at any time! It was only when I started job hunting around graduation that I realized there really are differences between bachelor's and master's degree holders in terms of starting salaries and job responsibilities. So do not wait until you suddenly realize you need another degree before rushing back to school. Sometimes it is not a matter of being unwilling; you may simply find that circumstances no longer allow you to do so.

Don't Rush to Globalize—Localize Your International Perspective Instead

To tell the truth, from my senior year through the first year of my master's program, during the two years in which I took master's-level courses, only one course was taught in Chinese. The others were either taught entirely in English, which accounted for the vast majority, or taught by professors who kindly accommodated those of us who had completed our previous education locally by explaining the material once in English and once in Chinese. My English proficiency also reached its peak during this period! I often joked with younger students, “You can experience the atmosphere of studying abroad right here in the NDHU Graduate Program in Economics. The textbooks and course materials are all in English, the notes on the board are in English, and your classmates are international students from all over the world. The only thing that might be in Chinese is what the professor says XD”

But people's potential often emerges when they are pushed beyond their comfort zones. My English was by no means outstanding, so classes were extremely challenging at first. Discussing presentations with classmates and reading large numbers of academic papers were unavoidable parts of the process. If you want to earn the degree, you have to go through this training—after all, without enduring the bitter cold, how can one enjoy the fragrance of plum blossoms? Whether you are taking master's courses or writing your thesis, you will inevitably encounter periods when you feel stuck. Going around in circles will never help you break through. Graduate education is designed to train your ability to think independently and solve problems. The ocean of knowledge is both deep and vast; if you simply drift around waiting for someone to rescue you, you may drown first. At such times, you need to step back and look at the bigger picture rather than becoming trapped in a small whirlpool. Taking the initiative to discuss your problems with classmates or professors is definitely one of the best ways to find a solution.

I vividly remember one occasion when our textbook introduced an economic model that simply could not be applied to Taiwan or to the business practices we were familiar with. While I was struggling to figure out how to make sense of it for our presentation, an international classmate in my group shared experiences from their home country, and suddenly everything made sense. Such business practices were quite common there. Sometimes differences in regional customs, consumption patterns, or even the structure of a country's economy can give rise to countless different business models. Learning about the global economy through everyday interactions with classmates can be more valuable than reading twenty business magazines.

Instead of Focusing on Grades, Learn to Build Relationships

Don't assume that a master's program will necessarily teach you more advanced economic models or enable you to discover principles worthy of a Nobel Prize in Economics—fairy tales aren't always true. (Okay, I'm getting off topic.)

Most fundamental economic theories are already covered during undergraduate study. At the graduate level, the emphasis is more on how to apply those theories in practice and on examining whether different economic models are related or differ in their empirical applications. This is why building a solid foundation during your undergraduate years is extremely important.

The composition of your classmates in graduate school is very different from that of your undergraduate years. Many come from Southeast Asia, Africa, Central America, South America, and other regions. Those who are able to study abroad for a degree are often outstanding individuals in their home countries. One of the graduate courses also invites leading scholars in economics to give special lectures on topics ranging from international economics and international trade to industrial issues. These are distinguished experts whom you rarely have the opportunity to meet in everyday life, so be sure to make the most of these opportunities to interact and exchange ideas with them. Even if you later work for different companies, take on different roles, or encounter different business and talent needs in your career, making good use of a broad range of resources and opportunities will provide you with valuable foundations and treasures for the future.

After leaving student life behind, you will undoubtedly face many more practical challenges. Make good use of this period when you still have the freedom to explore, reflect on yourself, and strengthen your abilities. Opportunities favor those who are prepared, so always be ready to jump higher and see farther. My experience does not represent the full picture of graduate school, but I would be very grateful if it can provide you with one more perspective to consider. Life is full of crossroads, but all roads lead to Rome. As long as your overall direction and goals remain unchanged, taking a different turn may lead you to an unexpectedly bright new path.

Tzu-Yi Shih 2024/03/17