Exploring Economics is not a totally serious business!
The Economics Student Conference set out to answer questions like, What is Economics? and Where can it take me? for an audience of year 12 high-school students from secondary schools across the state. They were encouraged to continue with their economics studies and introduced to the wide range of career paths which are opened up by economic knowledge.
The Conference took place on the 22 May, hosted by the Faculty of the Professions at the University of Adelaide, in conjunction with the Asian Education Foundation and the Economics Teacher’s Society. One hundred and forty one students from more than ten different schools attended the conference, held at the University’s North Terrace campus, where they were able to have a taste of life at university. Ten Ambassadors from the Asian Education foundation also attended, as well as eighteen Student Ambassadors from the Faculty of the Professions.
Professor Christopher Findlay presents information about Australia's economic links to Asia
The theme for the conference, and key topic of discussion, was the increasing influence Asia plays in our world. Professor Christopher Findlay, Executive Dean of the Faculty, and a specialist in this arena, opened the conference. He discussed China’s deepening economic relationship with Australia.
Further insight was added from both Professor Kent Anderson, new Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Adelaide, and Leah Clarke, from the South Australian Tourism Commission. After a quick recess break, students were led to the Professions Hub and First Year Learning Centre for a two-hour session of workshops. Divided into small groups and with the help of Asian Education Foundation Ambassadors, Student Ambassadors and roving Economics teachers, students worked through a workbook of questions specifically formulated around the guest presentations they had heard earlier in the day.
Students had the opportunity to explore the issues.
Students had the opportunity to explore the issues.Students gained real insight in to life at University, and a solid understanding of the importance Economics plays in society as a whole. Through interaction with the Asian Education Ambassadors, the students also learnt of a range of different career pathways to which Economics can lead, and enjoyed discussions with current University students, to whom they could ask about ‘life beyond year twelve’. With the combined efforts and support from the Asian Education Foundation, Economics Teacher’s Society SA, and the University of Adelaide’s Faculty of the Professions, the conference was a great success, helping guide our leaders of tomorrow, and open their eyes to the numerous, diverse and exciting opportunities to which studying Economics can lead.