Career Exploration Video & Audio
Career Conversations Panel: Economics Grads
Recorded March 22, 2011
During this panel, professionals shared their personal stories about breaking into the field, how their career paths took them from graduation to where they are now, what knowledge, skills and experience helped them succeed in their jobs and what types of opportunities are available in the field of Economics.
| Economics Grads: Full Session | Audio (MP3) | Video (MP4) | Video (WMV) |
Panelist Introductions
Les Grober
VP & Director,
TD Asset Management
Alumnus: Economics (1993)
I graduated in 1994 with an Masters degree in Economics from the University of Reading (England). I began my career as Equity Analyst at Manulife Financial and have worked at both Pension Fund as well as Hedge Fund companies over the course of 15 years. I completed my CFA designation in 1997. Currently I reside in Toronto, with my wife and two kids.
| Economics Grads: Les Grober Introduction | Audio (MP3) | Video (MP4) | Video (WMV) |
John Ilkiw
Pension Advisor,
Self-employed
Alumnus: BA Economics (1972)
I fell in love with economics after a disappointing year in the sciences. The blend of quantitative and economic principles suited me perfectly. After flirting with soviet planning principles at the University of Birmingham, England, I completed my academic training at the University of Toronto. I lucked into an economist entry-level job with the Pension Policy Unit of the Ontario Treasury, fell in love unexpectedly with pension financing principles and have been happily married to pensions issues for over 35 years. My love of pensions gave me a rewarding career that included increasingly senior positions in Canada, the UK the US, and back to Canada for five years at the CPPIB. I now advise on pensions issues.
| Economics Grads: John Ilkiw Introduction |
Hossein Mohajer
Alumnus: Economics (1996)
I graduated with a degree in economics in 1996 and have built my career in Telecommunication and Networking over the past 10 years.
| Economics Grads: Hossein Mohajer Introduction |
Jeff Quattrociocchi
Alumnus: MA Economics (2008)
I have been a student at York for seven years. Entering my third year as a PhD student, I have also received a BA and MA in Economics at York. I am looking forward to beginning a career in academia upon completion of my Doctorate, where I will focus on Political and Cultural Economics.
| Economics Grads: Jeff Quattrociocchi Introduction |
Questions & Answers
| Is there anything you wish you had known as an undergraduate in university that could have assisted your career? | |||
What motivated you to pursue a Masters and Phd? (Question was directed to Jeff Quattrociocchi) |
|||
| Is a graduate degree necessary or helpful for this type of career? | |||
What are the practical uses for an economic degree outside of the economics field? |
|||
| What entry-level positions would be suitable for students without experience? | |||
| What are some difficulties students have in getting an interview? | |||
| How do York students compare with other schools? | |||
| What skill set do you look for in an applicant? | |||
| How are extra-curricular activities valued when profiling a candidate? | |||
| What do you like and dislike about your job? | |||
| How many work hours do you have in a day? | |||
| What would be a good way to demonstrate leadership skills? | |||
| What is the general ratio of women in positions of finance and economics? Also, do non-Canadian names affect the selection process for applicants? | |||
Is it important for applicants to have an ‘objective’ on their resume? |
|||
What are some of the common problems with resumes you receive? |
|||
Can you discuss different ways of attaining employment in the industry? (Question was directed to Les Grober) |
|||
Are there any other career paths involving economics that do not include a career in finance? |
|||
