At CREST, we aim to showcase the diverse career trajectories and perspectives of researchers who have navigated the path beyond their PhD. The “Beyond the PhD” series provides an opportunity to hear directly from experts across different fields about their experiences, challenges, and insights on life as a researcher.

For this third installment, we are featuring four distinguished researchers: Benoit Schmutz (Ecole polytechnique, IP Paris), Caroline Hillairet (GENES, ENSAE Paris, IP Paris), Paola Tubaro (CNRS, ENSAE Paris, IP Paris), and Nicolas Chopin (GENES, ENSAE Paris, IP Paris). Each of them shares their thoughts on the PhD journey, its impact on their careers, and the broader role of research in society.

Why pursue a PhD at CREST?

A PhD is much more than just academic training—it’s about developing a mindset that allows you to explore complex questions, think critically, and push the boundaries of knowledge. Our researchers highlight three key aspects that define the PhD experience at CREST:

🔹 An Environment for Intellectual Growth – A PhD is a journey of constant learning. You will develop a structured way of thinking, gain expertise in your field, and learn how to navigate uncertainty in research.

🔹 Opportunities for Interdisciplinary Work – At CREST, you will interact with researchers across economics, sociology, finance, and statistics, allowing for a dynamic and stimulating research experience.

🔹 A Supportive and Collaborative Research Culture – While research can be challenging, you will not be alone. Engaging with peers, supervisors, and the broader academic community is essential, and at CREST, we value collaboration as much as independence.

Watch the introduction to this series below.

Meet the Researchers

Each researcher featured in this edition brings a unique perspective on the PhD experience and beyond.

Benoit Schmutz – From PhD to Applied Economics

Benoit discusses how a PhD equips students with essential analytical skills, particularly in understanding labor markets and urban economics. He emphasizes the importance of rigor and adaptability in research.

🎥 Watch Benoit’s insights

Caroline Hillairet – Mathematics, Finance, and Research Opportunities

Caroline shares her journey from mathematics to finance, highlighting how a PhD opens doors to interdisciplinary research and the application of theoretical models to real-world problems.

🎥 Watch Caroline’s insights

Paola Tubaro – Networks, Society, and the Role of Research

Paola discusses how her research in computational social sciences evolved, emphasizing the collaborative nature of research and the impact of digital transformations on society.

🎥 Watch Paola’s insights

Nicolas Chopin – The Art of Asking the Right Questions

Nicolas talks about the role of uncertainty in research, how a PhD teaches resilience, and the impact of Bayesian statistics in various domains, including machine learning.

🎥 Watch Nicolas’s insights

Advice for Future PhD Students

If you are considering applying for a PhD at CREST, here are a few key takeaways from our researchers:

✅ Stay curious – Research is about exploration, so embrace new ideas and unexpected results.
✅ Engage with the academic community – Attend conferences, collaborate with other researchers, and actively participate in lab activities.
✅ Be patient and persistent – Progress in research takes time. Learning how to overcome obstacles is part of the PhD experience.
✅ Think beyond the thesis – Your PhD is not just about writing a dissertation; it’s about developing a way of thinking that will shape your career.

Check out our two previous series of Beyond the PhD on the CREST YouTube Channel:

Beyond the PhD – Series 1 – a video centered on the International Job Market from Economics PhD students.

Beyond the PhD – Series 2 – a series of videos from our PhD students on the definition of what is a PhD.