Score contribution per author:
α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count
This paper demonstrates that the popular belief that first impressions are important in determining career success is theoretically sound. The model is then tested with salary data on mathematicians and economists. In general, the point estimates show that the long run increase in salary from an additional article or citation declines with the age at which it is received. The large standard errors, however, suggest that first impressions are not as important as the point estimates imply.