Five recent Carleton Economics graduates, David Boileau (MA/04; Economist, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade), Ryan Davidson (MA/04; Economist, Department of Finance), Amélie Lafrance (BA/06; Research Economist, Statistics Canada), Marty Olson (BA/05; Analyst, Bank of Canada), and Jaime Waitman (BA/09, MA/11; Cultural Economist, City of Ottawa), gave candid, heartfelt, and often passionate presentations on who they are, how they got into the study of economics, how they got their current jobs, what they do, and advice for graduating students.

Altogether, the five complementary presentations provided a wealth of valuable careers advice that gave the very receptive audience a range of fascinating insights into effective job-search strategies, the sometimes difficult transition from the relatively care-free student life to the world of work, and what real-world working economists actually have to do and how they can make personally rewarding and invaluable contributions to the smooth and effective implementation of economic policy and the successful achievement of both national and international goals.

The generosity of the five presenters in the giving of their time and energy—not to mention their willingness and ability to field myriad penetrating questions both before and after the formal presentations—was very much appreciated.

Superb emceeing was again provided by Glen Barber and Karla Cisneros, the Presidents of CUES and CGES, respectively.

Financial support for the event was provided by the Faculty of Public Affairs, the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs, the Department of Economics, CUSA, and the GSA.

Students (and others) interested in finding out more about the two new Carleton student economics societies and their programs of events for this academic year are encouraged to like them on Facebook (at www.facebook.com/groups/275916545770035 and/or www.facebook.com/groups/164503386968329).

Simon Power

“‘My sense is the Ottawa economy is pretty robust,’ he said. ‘If this coincides with a general improvement with the world economy then I’m not sure we will see a big impact beyond the individuals directly involved.’”

(Rebecca Lindell, “Fear of Federal Cuts Fuelling Economic Slowdown in Ottawa,” globalnews.ca)

“‘You can say the growth caused the corruption, and in some sense the corruption leads to its own correction. And if you don’t do that, you can get stuck and wind up in a middle-income trap,’ he added.”

(Ben Arnoldy, “How corrupt is India? It’s getting worse, index says: India dropped eight places on Transparency International’s annual corruption list by watchdog, worsening its reputation,” CSMonitor.com)

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Beginning with a clear and succinct overview of the global financial crisis, Mr. Jenkins highlighted the need for both national and international policy-makers to develop a nimbler, more responsive, and more comprehensive regulation of financial markets as financial innovation and globalization continue apace, while at the same time fostering the economic recovery and promoting future economic growth, not to mention smoothing the integration of the emerging economies into the global marketplace, addressing economic inequality, and maintaining environmental sustainability. For economics and the economics profession, Mr. Jenkins laid down three key challenges:

1. To improve the design and use of macroeconomic models to incorporate recent institutional and global economic developments, especially with respect to the linkages between the financial sector and the real sector.

2. To develop and promote better mechanisms for international policy co-ordination, particularly by trying to internalize the externalities of domestic policies—the spillover effects.

3. To think hard and deeply about global governance, especially in relation to the international monetary system. The days of the Gold Standard or indeed of any kind of a fixed exchange rate mechanism are long gone, but it is critical that we develop some kind of an effective organizational framework.

Finally, Mr. Jenkins gave unstintingly of his time, energy, and expertise to answer an array of probing and provocative questions from the audience.

Superb emceeing was provided by Karla Cisneros and Glen Barber, the inaugural Presidents of CGES and CUES, respectively. Professor André Plourde, Dean of the Faculty of Public Affairs, kindly gave some very warm and encouraging welcoming remarks. Financial support for the event was provided by the Faculty of Public Affairs, the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs, the Department of Economics, CUSA, and the GSA.

Students (and others) interested in finding out more about the two new Carleton student economics societies and their programs of events for this academic year are encouraged to like them on Facebook (at www.facebook.com/groups/275916545770035 and/or www.facebook.com/groups/164503386968329).

Simon Power