At Richmond Fed conference, VCU students find inspiration for careers in economics
By Megan Nash
Just weeks after the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut, more than 100 students from 40 universities gathered at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond on Oct. 11 for the 2024 Diverse Economics Conference (DivEc). The one-day event offered a timely exploration of career paths in economics amid growing optimism.
The conference, hosted by the Richmond Fed, was free for attendees and exposed undergraduate students to various career tracks available to those pursuing degrees in economics.
“This conference is a great way for students to see how economics gives you range,” said Brian Brown, Ph.D., interim dean of the VCU School of Business, during his opening remarks. “While specialization can be an advantage, it’s often more beneficial to make connections across a broad spectrum of domains and ideas. Economics is flexible and diverse, with applications in areas like public policy, healthcare and technology.”
In recent years, the Richmond Fed has expanded efforts to bring students into the econ orbit, partnering with the VCU School of Business and the University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business. The DivEc Conference, now in its sixth year, is part of this broader initiative, which also includes webinars, educational workshops and direct engagement with industry experts.
For VCU senior Jimmy Mai (B.S. ’25), the conference showed just how economics influences everyday life.
“Economics plays a huge role in everyone’s lives,” said Mai. “Even if you don’t know much about it, events like DivEc open you up to so many opportunities. It’s always great to see familiar faces like Dean Brown, and it just shows how economics connects people in unexpected ways.”
The keynote speaker, William M. Rodgers III, Ph.D., vice president of the Institute for Economic Equity at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, encouraged students to see economics as a storytelling tool.
“We are all storytellers,” Rodgers said, reflecting on his career in academia and public policy. He described how economics allows professionals to ask critical questions and shape solutions for communities. “Get to know the stories of the people around you. Get to know what makes them tick.”
Following Rodgers’ keynote, the “Pathways to Impact” panel offered practical advice for students preparing to enter the workforce.
Panelist Sara Dunnigan, deputy director at GO Virginia, reminded attendees that economics offers a powerful framework for thinking through complex issues, while urging them to be patient when considering graduate school.
“Don’t rush into it,” she said. “Don’t get fixated on getting a master’s or Ph.D. until you know where you want to go.”
Sean Brazier, owner of Edai, added that students should maximize their undergraduate years by developing strong habits and connections. “Practice being an adult. Don’t take for granted the relationships you’ve built,” he advised.
Ranger Balleisen (B.S. ’26), a VCU junior double majoring in political science and economics, walked away with more than just career ideas.
“Every time somebody spoke, I learned about a new research possibility or opportunity I could pursue,” said Balleisen. “But I realized I need to take more math classes if I want to say I’m an economist with a strong foundation.”
In the final session, attendees explored “Career Pathways” poster displays, where alumni from various universities shared how they have applied their economics training in their current roles.
Among the featured alumni was VCU’s Kai Amado, a 2023 graduate now a research analyst at Mangum Economics.
“I grew a lot and changed my plans every week, but that’s where I found the most growth,” said Amado. “You don’t have to fit into a mold. By trying new things and embracing discomfort, you end up achieving more than you ever expected.”
Amado, who attended the conference as a student in previous years, recalled the significance of being on the other side this time. “Standing next to this poster with my face on it felt strange at first, but exciting,” she said. “I remember how valuable it was to hear from alumni when I was in their shoes, and now I get to offer the same support.”
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