As part of our Places You’ll Go series, we spoke with Vladimir Shchukin a CERGE-EI student about his research stay at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, one of the leading centers for political economy. In this interview, Vladimir reflects on how he chose his destination, what he gained from presenting his work in a new academic environment, and how discussions with leading scholars and fellow students helped sharpen his research interests and strengthen his motivation to pursue an academic career.
Can you describe how you chose where you wanted to go, and why?
My primary criterion when selecting an institution for academic mobility was to find a place with faculty whose research aligns closely with my interests in theoretical political economy. After discussing potential options with my research advisor, Jan Zápal, we concluded that the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy would be an excellent destination. The institution is widely recognized as a major center for research in political economy, making it a particularly suitable environment for my research stay.
Expectations and First Impressions
What expectations did you have before arriving in the United States, and which ones were challenged the most?
Before arriving in the United States, I expected the University of Chicago to provide a highly stimulating intellectual environment characterized by active research exchange, open discussion of ideas, and academic creativity. In practice, my experience closely matched these expectations. The university offers numerous opportunities for scholarly interaction through seminars, workshops, and informal discussions with faculty and students.
How did the approach to teaching economics differ from what you were used to at CERGE-EI?
In many respects, the structure of PhD training is similar to that at CERGE-EI. The program typically consists of two years of coursework followed by several years devoted primarily to research. Weekly seminars featuring invited speakers from other universities, as well as reading groups where early-stage research is discussed, are an important part of academic life. The main difference I observed is that the academic environment places a particularly strong emphasis on political economy, which aligns well with my own research interests.
Feedback from Leading Scholars
Which courses and professors most significantly shaped your economic thinking?
One particularly memorable experience was the opportunity to discuss my research ideas with James Robinson, the 2024 Nobel Prize laureate in Economics. He carefully listened to my project and offered constructive feedback, along with several references that will help me further develop my research.
“Presenting my research and discussing it with scholars from leading universities helped me see that the questions I study are of broader interest within the academic community.”
How did interactions with fellow students from diverse backgrounds enrich your understanding of economics?
My research lies at the intersection of economic history and political economy. During my stay, I had the opportunity to interact with several graduate students working on closely related topics. These exchanges were highly valuable, as they allowed me to consider my research questions from different perspectives.
Learning Through Seminars, Reading Groups, and Conferences
Were you involved in any research projects, seminars, or policy discussions outside regular classes?
During my stay, I regularly attended the weekly political economy seminars and reading group meetings at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. I also attended a research seminar at Northwestern University, which is located in the Chicago metropolitan area. In addition, I presented my main research project at one of the political economy reading group meetings, where I received valuable feedback from participants. Finally, I had the opportunity to present my research at the Midwest Political Science Association conference, one of the largest conferences in political science and political economy in the United States.
How have your study-stay experiences influenced your future academic or career goals?
My stay at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy strengthened my motivation to continue pursuing an academic career. Presenting my research and discussing it with scholars from leading universities helped me see that the questions I study are of broader interest within the academic community and that my work can contribute to ongoing research in political economy and economic history.
What advice would you give to younger CERGE-EI students when considering where to apply for a study stay?
My main advice would be not to postpone academic mobility unnecessarily. While it is important to have a research project to present, it does not need to be fully completed. At the same time, it is useful to plan the stay carefully and think in advance about opportunities to present your work, for example in local seminars, reading groups, or conferences.
