Yaprak Tavman
Yaprak is a lecturer in the Department of Economics at the University of York.
Why did you choose to study economics?
I had initially chosen to study Business as a major for my undergraduate degree. After taking some introductory modules in Economics as part of my degree, I have realised I had a great interest in the analytical approach taken in Economics for understanding how the world works. Hence, I decided to study Economics as a minor and continued to pursue a master’s and PhD in Economics.
How would you describe economics?
Economics as a discipline aims to comprehend the behaviour of individuals, markets, and governments. An understanding of economics, therefore, provides an insight into the factors that shape society. This probably explains why economic stories receive such media attention and why the subject can be of great interest to a diverse audience.
If you had a time machine and could meet your 16-year-old self, what advice would you give them?
When deciding what to study, choose subjects that you are really interested in. Don’t study a subject just because you think it will help you get a well-paying job.
What is your favourite part of economics?
I love how versatile the questions that Economics can answer are. If you have ever wondered why the cost of a ticket to your favourite band’s last concert was so expensive, why you are paid little in your part-time job, or what influences the rate at which you change your currency into another when you go on holiday, studying economics would be of interest to you.
Is there anything you would do differently if you had the chance?
If I had the option to study at university again, I would choose to study a more interdisciplinary degree such as PPE (Politics, Philosophy and Economics). Collaborating with colleagues from different departments, I have realised how much different disciplines can learn from each other’s perspectives.