Pre-Doctoral Research in Economics (PRE) Workshop

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2026 PRE Workshop

🥳 PREDOC.org will host our annual virtual pre-doctoral workshop on Wednesday, August 12 from 1:00-4:00 PM Central Daylight Time. Panelists will include current pre-doctoral fellows and prominent social scientists who will offer insights for students exploring and applying to pre-docs.

Participants will also have the opportunity to meet with representatives from top research institutions such as Yale University, Stanford University, the University of Chicago, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and more during the capstone job fair.

Register now!

2025 PRE Workshop Recordings

🚨 The PRE 2025 Workshop recordings are available to watch here! 🚨 Whether you're applying to a pre-doctoral program or looking to succeed once you're in, the panels are packed with invaluable insights from top economists, researchers, and PhD students. Plus, don’t miss hands-on walk-throughs of common data tasks in R and STATA. Watch now!

2024 PRE Workshop Recordings

The Pre-Doctoral Path

Learn more about the role of a pre-doc in exploring research opportunities in quantitative social science.

How to Apply

Hear current pre-docs and hiring managers speak about preparing for and securing a pre-doctoral position.

How to Succeed

Best tips and practices for succeeding as a pre-doc once you've landed a position!

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How to Solve a Data Task in R

Rupsha walks-through a data task in R, an essential component of the pre-doc application.

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How to Solve a Data Task in STATA

Eva walks-through a data task in STATA, an essential component of the pre-doc application.

2023 PRE Workshop Recordings

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How to be a Successful Predoc

Current RAs discuss their transition into pre-doctoral roles and how their experiences are impacting their future trajectories as researchers.

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How to Prepare and Apply for a Predoc

A group of pre-docs and economists shed light on the application process, best tips for landing a position, and how to be successful as an emerging researcher at an institution.

Data Task Review

Our STATA mentor, Matthew Pitcock, Research Assistant at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, reviews a data task with workshop participants. (We suggest working through the task first before watching this video).

2022 PRE Workshop Recordings

Introduction

Introduction

An introduction to the PRE Workshop and to the different initiatives PREDOC offers.

Pre-doc applications

Applying to Pre-docs

Current pre-docs and a program manager discuss the pre-doc application process.

Data visualization

Data Visualization

Learn the fundamentals of effective data visualization, an essential skill for any RA or pre-doc.

What PIs Look For

What PIs Look For

Managers of pre-docs discuss what they look for in pre-doc applications, and how to be successful in the role.

2021 PRE Workshop Recordings

Introduction

Pathways to Research

PREDOC presents on pathways to research careers.

Faculty panel

Researcher Panel

Researchers discuss their own careers and what they look for in a pre-doc.

Pre-doc panel 1

Applying to Pre-docs

Pre-docs discuss their experience during the application process, and share strategies for success.

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Transparency in Research

BITSS researcher presents on best practices in transparent research. Download slides here.

Pre-doc panel 2

Success in Pre-docs

Pre-docs present on what it takes to be successful in the role.

Pre-analysis plans

Quantitative Standards and Pre-Analysis Plans

University of Arizona researchers present best practices on quantitative standards and pre-analysis plans.

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