{
  "title": "Economist Program",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.imf.org/en/about/careers/economist-program",
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  "summary": "The Economist Program (EP) is a three-year rotational program for PhD economists. You’ll gain hands-on experience across the IMF’s work—from country missions to policy research.",
  "sections": [
    {
      "heading": "Program overview",
      "content": "- The Economist Program (EP) is a three-year rotational program for PhD economists offered by the IMF.\n- Purpose: Gain hands-on experience across the IMF’s work—from country missions to policy research—and apply research and analytical skills to real-world challenges affecting the IMF’s 191 member countries.\n- Outcome: Continued career as an IMF economist."
    },
    {
      "heading": "Core activities and rotations",
      "content": "- Rotations across departments contributing to:\n  - Country surveillance and country programs (including IMF Article IV consultations).\n  - Policy analysis and advice on fiscal, monetary, financial, debt, and external sector issues.\n  - Research and analytical work informing flagship publications and policy decisions."
    },
    {
      "heading": "Eligibility and candidate profile",
      "content": "- Background: Recent PhD in economics or related field (or within one year of completion).\n- Age restriction: Under 34 at the time of entry.\n- Research skills: Strong quantitative and analytical ability.\n- Language skills: Fluent English; additional IMF languages are an asset."
    },
    {
      "heading": "Annual recruitment cycle (Economist Program Cycle)",
      "content": "- September: Applications open; on-campus and online/virtual preliminary interviews begin.\n- December: Applications close.\n- December-January: Panel interviews and assessments in HQ.\n- February: Offers extended.\n- September: Program starts."
    },
    {
      "heading": "Selection process (assessed competencies and steps)",
      "content": "- Assessed competencies: Analytical skills, judgment, communication, and ability to apply economic thinking to real-world challenges.\n- Step 1: Participate in preliminary interview (high level overview of research + discussion).\n- Step 2: Submission of research paper, transcript, and three academic references.\n- Step 3: Panel interview and written assessment.\n- Step 4: Selection and offer."
    },
    {
      "heading": "Program experience and alumni outcomes",
      "content": "- The EP provides a well-rounded exposure to the IMF’s work and a foundation for a long-term career as an economist.\n- Alumni pathways: Continue working across surveillance, research, and policy at the IMF and beyond.\n- Participant testimonials:\n  - “The EP gave me the opportunity to apply my research to economic policy questions that matter to countries around the world.” — Julia Faltermeier, EP Cohort 2018\n  - \"The rotations broadened my perspective and skills. Every assignment has been challenging, rewarding, and fun.” — Sakai Ando, EP Cohort 2018\n  - “At the IMF, I work with outstanding colleagues on issues that shape the global economy. The Fund offers a distinctive environment for growth as an economist, making the experience both meaningful and transformative.” — Beatrice Sagna, EP Cohort 2023"
    }
  ],
  "bullets": [
    "The Economist Program (EP) is a three-year rotational program for PhD economists offered by the IMF.",
    "Purpose: Gain hands-on experience across the IMF’s work—from country missions to policy research—and apply research and analytical skills to real-world challenges affecting the IMF’s 191 member countries.",
    "Outcome: Continued career as an IMF economist.",
    "Rotations across departments contributing to:",
    "Background: Recent PhD in economics or related field (or within one year of completion).",
    "Age restriction: Under 34 at the time of entry.",
    "Research skills: Strong quantitative and analytical ability.",
    "Language skills: Fluent English; additional IMF languages are an asset.",
    "September: Applications open; on-campus and online/virtual preliminary interviews begin.",
    "December: Applications close.",
    "December-January: Panel interviews and assessments in HQ.",
    "February: Offers extended.",
    "September: Program starts.",
    "Assessed competencies: Analytical skills, judgment, communication, and ability to apply economic thinking to real-world challenges.",
    "Step 1: Participate in preliminary interview (high level overview of research + discussion).",
    "Step 2: Submission of research paper, transcript, and three academic references.",
    "Step 3: Panel interview and written assessment.",
    "Step 4: Selection and offer.",
    "The EP provides a well-rounded exposure to the IMF’s work and a foundation for a long-term career as an economist.",
    "Alumni pathways: Continue working across surveillance, research, and policy at the IMF and beyond.",
    "Participant testimonials:",
    "**Economist Program**"
  ],
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