Friday 28 February 2025
Economists are known for their love of numbers, but a new study has revealed that the quality of your advisor can have just as big an impact on your success as the number of publications you produce.
The research, published in the journal Science, analyzed data from over 6,000 PhD students who graduated from top economics programs between 1994 and 2017. The team found that students who were advised by more productive professors – measured by their own publication record – went on to publish more papers themselves.
But here’s the surprising part: the quality of your advisor wasn’t just about their own research output. Students who were co-authored with their advisors on at least one paper during their PhD program also published more after graduation.
The study suggests that having a high-achieving advisor can provide students with valuable guidance, support, and networking opportunities that help them build their careers. It’s not just about getting your ideas out there – it’s about building relationships and being part of a research community.
But what about women? The study found that female students who were advised by female professors published fewer papers after graduation than those who were advised by male professors. This suggests that gender plays a role in the mentorship relationship, with female advisors potentially providing less support or guidance to their female students.
The researchers also looked at how the quality of your advisor affected your chances of getting a job in academia. They found that students who had highly productive advisors were more likely to secure a tenure-track position after graduation.
So what does this mean for aspiring economists? The study suggests that finding a good advisor is crucial for success, and it’s not just about getting a professor with a lot of publications under their belt. You need someone who can guide you, support you, and help you build your network.
It also highlights the importance of diversity in academia – with more women and minority professors needed to provide role models and mentors for students from underrepresented groups.
Overall, this study provides valuable insights into what makes a successful academic career in economics. It’s not just about the numbers game – it’s about building relationships, finding good mentorship, and being part of a research community that supports you every step of the way.
Cite this article: “The Advisor Effect: How Mentorship Impacts Academic Success”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Economics, Phd Students, Advisors, Publication Record, Research Output, Mentorship, Networking Opportunities, Academic Careers, Gender Bias, Diversity, Academia.
