The School of Economics welcomed a cross-section of South Australian high school students from year levels 11 and 12 to the University of Adelaide for the inaugural Festival of Economics held on Thursday 28 June 2018. The event’s purpose was to inform and inspire the high school students about economics and show the wide breadth of economics beyond common perceptions. The event was organized by Associate Professor Duygu Yengin with the sponsorship of the Diversity and Inclusion Grant 2018 from the Faculty of Professions.

Special guest speakers were Associate Professor Gigi Foster from the University of NSW who talked on “Can we ever solve inequality” and Emeritus Professor Sue Richardson from Flinders University talking on “How high wage should be” and “Can Economics be in harmony with nature?”

Also very popular was the panel discussion which consisted of current economic students and recent graduates. They talked about why they chose economics, what career paths they pursued and why they think economics is important and answered quite a few questions on career paths and choices.

The students were also given an opportunity to chat with the guest speakers and panel members during a lunch provided.

Good luck to all the school leavers, and we are looking forward to welcoming you as students at the School of Economics next year!

From left to right: Assoc. Prof. Duygu Yengin, Prof. Gareth Myles, Assoc. Prof. Gigi Foster,Clare Nolan, Suraya Abdul Halim, Mia Tam, Phil Grozinger, Georgia Wiley and Mackenzie Thompson.

The panel of School of Economics Graduates answering questions from high school students.