In short interview, Madison Lark shares her student experiences of Master in Economic Research Program at CERGE-EI. She lived all over the United States, mainly in Montana, California, and the Carolinas. She earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science with a minor in German Studies. She is now in the final stages of a Master’s in Economic Research at CERGE-EI, where she focuses on digital currencies. Her plan is to work at the intersection of emerging financial technology and the evolving policy and regulatory efforts.
What do you find most appealing about economics?
Economics helps connect individual behavior with broader societal outcomes, which I find both intellectually satisfying and practically useful. My background in political science and policy analysis made me realize that a strong understanding of economics is essential for shaping effective public policy. This perspective has shaped my current interest in how emerging phenomena—like decentralized cryptocurrency-based monetary systems—are influencing economic behavior and policy debates.
What aspects of studying at CERGE-EI have you found most valuable—academically, professionally, or personally?
A key strength of CERGE-EI is the direct application of the strategies and methods taught in the classroom, which has been very effective for improving my individual research skills. Professionally, the program offers close connections to many skilled researchers in the field, providing valuable opportunities for mentorship and collaboration. Personally, the MAER program at CERGE-EI was a highly rewarding challenge for me—my experience here was truly one of a kind, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
Which courses or topics at CERGE-EI have you found most challenging? Which courses are your favorites?
Courses like Microeconometrics and Machine Learning were particularly challenging, especially coming from a social science background. However, I personally enjoyed Monetary Economics and my work on digital currencies the most, as these topics allowed me to explore my core research interests.
“It hasn’t necessarily felt harder across the board, but it’s definitely pushed me to become more self-directed and analytical in my approach.”
How would you compare the academic rigor at CERGE-EI to what you experienced during your undergraduate studies in the United States?
The academic style at CERGE-EI was quite different from my undergraduate experience in the U.S. There’s a much stronger focus here on independent study and developing your own research skills, which took some adjustment. It hasn’t necessarily felt harder across the board, but it’s definitely pushed me to become more self-directed and analytical in my approach.
What has it been like living and studying in Prague, and how has the location contributed to your overall study experience?
Living in the heart of Europe is an experience I’ll always cherish, and I’m considering staying here for at least a few more years. The lifestyle is very convenient—Prague offers excellent public transportation and a cozy café culture. There are many advantages to living in such a dense, international city. Being surrounded by students and researchers from around the world has exposed me to a wide range of perspectives and research questions, which has influence both my academic experience and my career path.
