Laura Lehtonen graduated in 2022 from the Master’s in Economics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She now works as an Economist at De Nederlandsche Bank, where she analyses the impact of (climate) policies on households and firms and advises stakeholders including the Dutch government, the ECB, and the wider public.
Laura chose the programme for its breadth and flexibility. “I wanted to study economics as widely as possible, without committing to one specialisation. Coming from a business background, the VU offered the perfect balance—broad, one-year, and with the freedom to choose from many different courses.”
She especially valued the strong focus on quantitative and applied skills. “The courses in data analytics and econometrics were challenging but extremely rewarding. The practical assignments pushed me to think creatively, and the data techniques I learned are still part of my daily work. My thesis, working with firm-level data, was also a defining experience and very close to what I do now.”
For Laura, the Master’s provided exactly the right foundation. “The programme gave me the mix of theory, data analysis, and policy thinking that I now use every day. It trained me to approach questions from multiple angles and to translate analysis into actionable advice. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants a broad, rigorous economics degree that opens many doors.”
Her advice to future students? “If you’re not yet sure which direction you want to take, this programme is a great choice. It lets you explore different fields of economics while developing solid quantitative skills, making it an excellent stepping stone to careers in policy, finance, or research.”
