Hi everyone, I should probably begin by introducing myself. My name is Seth Carter, and I’m currently a student studying economics and philosophy at Indiana University. I have a strong passion for economics and political philosophy, and my hope for several years has been to attend graduate school to become a professional economist. Recently, I received news of an excellent opportunity – that I had been selected for the American Economic Association Summer Training Program for undergraduate students wishing to pursue careers in economics. The program will take place from May until the end of July in 2019 and will include rigorous training in mathematical economics, econometrics, microeconomic theory, and economic research.
Though I’m incredibly grateful for my good fortune and I hope to work hard to prepare myself for graduate school, summer is normally my best time for full-time employment to save money for graduate school, which I anticipate will be very expensive. Additionally, one of the conditions for the program is that I will be unable to commit to part-time work for its duration. It is because of this that I have made the humbling decision to reach out to the larger community for assistance in making up for the earnings that I will not be able to work towards during my time spent committed to my training.
To emphasize that I’m quite serious in my education and hopes for professional development, it may be prudent to emphasize some of my work thus far. I was recently declared one of the winners for the Carl Menger Essay Contest sponsored by the Society for the Development of Austrian Economics for some research that I developed on the firm-level returns from corporate lobbying in the United States. I’ve also worked as a quality assurance intern for Valeo LLC., an automotive manufacturing firm, and a research intern for the Institute of Ideas, a policy-oriented think tank. Additional information on my papers and publications in philosophy and economics can be found at my academia.edu website (which is like social media for paper writing). I have the link pasted below should you be at all curious in my writing!
I’ve never viewed myself as being above hard work with my hands, however. My first job was as an employee for a local car wash in my hometown where I gained experience in washing vehicles by hand, maintaining machinery, landscaping, and custodial work.
As I’m yet unsure of the precise expenses of graduate school, not having been accepted yet, my itemization of expense is currently vague, though I believe tuition and living expenses will come to the forefront. My timeframe for raising the funds is over the next several months, likely until the end of my program in July. Any assistance that you may be willing to offer is much appreciated. My ultimate desire is to pay forward any assistance that I receive by using my research in economics to help make the world a more prosperous place where people can provide for themselves and more in freedom and safety. Thank you so much for your time spent reading. www.gofundme.com
