Status Updates From Doing Economics: What You S...

Very helpful guideline on how to structure and write a peer review

“The key to being a good reviewer is to (i) write constructive reviews that are (ii) at the right level for the journal you are reviewing for and (iii) make comments at the right margin for the paper you have been asked to read.”

“To improve their written English, foreign students should make a point of reading in English. Whether that means reading The Economist, English translations of their favourite novels, or other printed materials, the important thing is to go beyond textbooks and the papers assigned in graduate classes, and the key is simply to read things written in competent English that one is interested in”

“When advising foreign students who wish to have a great career in the English-speaking world, the first thing to make sure of is that they understand the importance of being able to express themselves well in English, both when writing papers and presenting them in seminars”

“Grad school is a time for focusing… become an expert in 1.5 topics”

“Perfect is the enemy of good. A good thesis or dissertation is a finished thesis or dissertation.”

“Different students respond differently to the same incentives.” Some thrive in a program where they are surrounded by smarter people. Others thrive when they are empowered by feelings that they are the smartest. Some thrive when they have limited time for research

The most helpful and relatable parts. I regret not reading this at the start of my PhD.
“Lay out your expectations clearly and early…[..] it’s an advisee’s responsibility to seek my advising and to schedule meetings with me…
Help students keep things in perspective..
The best PhD dissertations consist of 3 essays on a coherent theme.. The essays will be typically of unequal quality”