The Impact of Occupational Licensing on Investment in Education and Training
Occupational licensing regulations, intended to ensure quality standards in professions, may significantly alter individuals' investments in human capital. These regulations increase barriers to entry, potentially shifting the incentives for workers between formal education (general skills) and on-the-job training (firm-specific skills). Understanding how these regulations affect workers’ choices between formal education and employer-provided training has implications for labor market efficiency, earnings inequality, and overall economic productivity.
Requisite Skills and Qualifications
The ideal Research Assistant for this project should possess strong data management skills, proficiency in statistical software (Stata, R, or Python), and experience handling large datasets such as CPS or ACS. Familiarity with econometric methods (e.g., difference-in-differences) and an understanding of human capital theory and labor economics are desirable. Attention to detail, organizational abilities, and prior exposure to data collection processes or textual analysis will further strengthen the RA’s contribution.