On paper, economics and consulting may seem different. One revolves around theories of markets and public policy. The other is about helping businesses solve operational, strategic, and organisational challenges. For George Anaman, however, the two go hand in hand.
This understanding, plus curiosity, discipline and a commitment to growth brought him from Takoradi, Ghana, to Kansas State University, ranked the #1 Best College and #1 for Best Professors in Kansas, where he joined its Economics PhD programme. His dissertation investigated government spending and the labour market assimilation of US. female immigrants.
“I chose K-State because of the strength and research depth of its faculty,” Anaman says. “But what really stood out was how accessible and committed they were to student development.”
Looking back, he sees that environment as a turning point. The combination of world-class research, dedicated mentorship, and full funding enabled him to grow as a researcher and a professional, setting the stage for his career as a senior consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Boston.
Courses in the Economics PhD cover econometrics, industrial organisation, international trade, labour economics, macroeconomics, microeconomics, public economics, and more. Source: Kansas State University
The skills employers are looking for
In the Economics PhD, faculty bring the latest developments in econometrics, policy analysis, applied economic theory, coding, and AI tools into the classroom, preparing you to produce an original, high-quality dissertation.
Equally important is the emphasis on professional development. PhD candidates will gain teaching experience long before graduation — a rare opportunity that Anaman considers one of the most valuable parts of his doctoral journey.
“By my second year, I was already serving as a primary instructor,” he shares. “Teaching both small and large classes across different levels helped me build confidence quickly. It really sharpened my ability to communicate complex economic concepts.”
He participated in cross-disciplinary research too, working with the Department of Agricultural Economics and publishing a peer-reviewed article. “It was a moment that reinforced the real-world impact of my work,” he adds.
These experiences set K-State Economics PhD graduates up for success long after graduation. Some become professors at Clarkson University, Missouri State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Seattle University, Xavier University and more.
Others, like Anaman, take their skills into industry. “My time at K-State gave me the technical foundation and practical experience I use every day at PwC,” he says. Whether he’s interpreting data or advising clients, he’s doing what K-State trained him to do: apply economic insight to real-world challenges.
While K-State is known for its academic excellence, it’s the university’s supportive environment that leaves the biggest impression. Advisors take the time to provide personalised academic support. Source: Kansas State University
From graduate school to great careers
The PhD isn’t the only path that leads to exciting opportunities; Master of Arts in Economics students benefit from the same career-focused approach. The programme has three curriculum tracks: Applied Economics, Econometrics, and PhD Preparation.
Students interested in research can complete a thesis, those aiming for industry can choose the report option, and anyone set on a PhD can take the exam option for a smooth transition.
Graduate Noah Enders, who chose the thesis option, now works as a Legislative Assistant for Congressman Derek Schmidt in Kansas’s Second Congressional District, where he combines his passion for research with practical public policy to make a difference for Kansans. “My academic experiences at K-State opened my mind to new perspectives and paved the way for innovative approaches in public policy,” he says.
Graduate Victoria Popoola is now a PhD candidate. “Leaving Lagos, Nigeria, for Manhattan, Kansas, was a big leap, but K-State quickly became home,” she shares. “I found friends through participating in student organisations, support from faculty, and plenty of challenges in the classroom.”
Meanwhile, others have taken their economics training into leading organisations across the public and private sectors, including MetLife, the US Department of Agriculture, Huron Consulting Group, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, and Brattle Group.
Every student’s journey at K-State will look a little different. But if Anaman has one piece of advice, it’s to make the most of every opportunity — both inside and outside the classroom. “Take full advantage of the resources available to you and get involved early. Build connections. Those relationships will make your transition easier and your experience more meaningful,” he says.
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