A small group of economics students led by Professor Gerhard Glomm traveled to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to attend the Fifth Annual Exploring Career Pathways in Economics and Related Fields Conference sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and The Sadie Collective. Sejal Boobna writes about their trip which was organized by the Women in Economics (WinEcon) Club.
On October 17, students from Indiana University’s Economics Department spent the day at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, thanks to a trip organized by the Women in Economics (WinEcon) Club. The Fifth Annual Exploring Career Pathways in Economics and Related Fields Conference wasn’t just another event—it was a chance for us to connect, learn, and feel inspired alongside fellow students, experienced panelists, and other professionals in the field. Hosted by the Fed in collaboration with The Sadie Collective, the event focused on supporting women and underrepresented groups in economics, finance, and data science.
The day began with a networking breakfast, where students connected with Fed representatives from Chicago, St. Louis, and New York, met other students, and explored research projects presented by The Sadie Collective. This set the stage for a packed day, including a fireside chat with Kristen Broady, senior economist at the Chicago Fed, and Natalie Madeira Cofield, COO of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity, mentorship-focused breakout sessions, a career panel, and a workshop on data research techniques.
Key Takeaways:
Resilience and Failure as Growth
Students were encouraged to view failure as a “muscle you build—fail, but be able to move on.” Resilience, they learned, is about learning from challenges and using them as stepping stones.
Entrepreneurship and Self-Worth
Speakers emphasized the value of knowing one’s worth and setting ambitious goals. Students were reminded, “Entrepreneurs live the first few years like others don’t, to live a life in the future that others can’t.”
Mentorship and Community
A breakout session with Quinton Johnson focused on being proactive in mentorship, valuing social capital, and investing in people who align with your vision. Students were encouraged to engage in their communities and build meaningful connections.
Knowing and Advocating for Your Value
The final sessions reinforced the importance of self-worth and financial ambition, empowering students to recognize and advocate for their value in the field.
Leaving the Chicago Fed, students felt inspired, empowered, and equipped with new perspectives on their journeys ahead. They were reminded of what’s possible when they recognize their potential, build a strong support network, and pursue their goals with intention.
At our annual Department of Economics Awards Reception we recognize our most outstanding undergraduate students. We were pleased to announce their special achievements and awards at our March 25, 2024 reception hosted by Michael Kaganovich, Chair of the department.
Elected to Phi Beta Kappa in Fall 2023
Corey Wilson Jones
Gillian Johnstone Begg
Jakob Benjamin Hebebrand
Jennifer Ella Blitchok
Nash Howell Devenport
Elected to Phi Beta Kappa in Spring 2024
Seong Ju Kim
Joleena Mundy
Jassen Yep
Anusha Sinha
Carrington Scholarships for Outstanding Economics Students
Tyler Anderson
Youha Kim
Samuel Shoemaker
Benjamin Hoham
Andrew Hodges
Robert A. Buccieri, Jr. Scholarship
Motolani Arinoso
Hannah Rosen
Dylan Surkein
Robert N. Johnson Economics Encouragement Scholarship
Nash Devenport
Joseph Radde
Arlington W. Williams Scholarship
Jessica Ousterhout
Carroll Christenson Award
Amangul Hydyrova
James E. Moffat Scholarship Award for Outstanding Economics Majors
Corey Jones
Komal Kumar
Isaac Leichty
Dylan Schutte
Anusha Sinha
Jassen Yep
Mr. & Mrs. Harold E. Strow Award
Kemal Perdana
Hoosier Economics Conference Best Undergraduate Student Paper Award
Kemal Perdana
The Department of Economics hosted its annual graduation reception to honor our undergraduate and graduate students who graduated in May or August 2024. This year our celebration was held on May 3 when parents, relatives, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate our graduates. Michael Kaganovich, Chair of the department, hosted the reception. Anusha Sinha, Amangul Hydyrova, Benjamin Hoham, and Corey Jones reflected on their undergraduate days as economics majors. Each graduate was individually recognized and photographed with Michael Kaganovich, James Walker, Associate Chair; and James Self, Director of Undergraduate Studies.
The College of Arts