What To Do with a Major in Economics? - Ten Careers for an Economics Major - Meet Our Peer Career Advisors - Featured Internships - NYCCEP & Internship Grant Program - Rachel's Corner: Making the Most of a Career Fair - September Calendar
WHAT TO DO WITH A MAJOR IN ECONOMICS? You’ve decided on a major and are not sure what career path to follow after college. To help you out, we asked three Barnard alumnae who majored in economics to share their career experiences with you! SOPHIE CARDONA’94-Energy Efficiency Consultant, Quality Conservation Services I decided to major in economics because I enjoyed learning theory and then seeing how that theory could be applied to solve everyday problems. For that reason, I was drawn to areas of economics such as poverty alleviation and development, and the economics of gender and immigration. After graduating from Barnard I migrated away from economics and studied interior architecture and design at Parsons. I worked as an interior designer and space planner for several architecture firms for several years, but when my mission to make the world a better place through design did not materialize, I decided to go back to economics, pursuing a Masters degree in International Economics/Affairs with a concentration in Economic Development. Upon graduating, I found employment with an organization focused on the environment. I decided to obtain a green building professional accreditation (LEED) which allowed me to transition into sustainability/green building consulting. This in turn led me to my current position as an energy efficiency consultant. Continued on page 6. SHILPA LAKHANI‘04-Vice President, Portfolio Manager, Deutsche Bank Besides history, social sciences were never truly encouraged during my elementary and secondary schooling years. College offered me the opportunity to explore a field that I would soon discover applied every skill amassed until then. Economics encompassed everything from calculus and finance to psychology and statistics and taking classes at Barnard and Columbia reinforced just that. In particular, I remember learning about modern portfolio theory in Financial Economics and analyzing financial ratios in Intro to Accounting and Finance and immediately thinking that making a career out of this would be exceptionally exciting. Currently I am a fixed income portfolio manager and I have a unique hand in shaping global economics. I have grown to appreciate the financial markets and all its complexities, dynamics, and universality. JENNIFER BING’90-Independent Contractor, Mast Circulation Group I decided to major in economics because I had always wanted to work in finance after graduating from Barnard, and believed having a major that was analytical could be advantageous in the recruiting process. My first full-time position was as an Analyst in Public Finance Investment Banking at Lehman Brothers. After Lehman I decided to switch careers and purse an MBA in marketing. I received an MBA from Cornell and worked as an Associate Marketing Manager in Billing Marketing at TV Guide, a position that taught me the fundamentals of direct response consumer marketing. Most recently I served as the Director of Retention Marketing at the Newsweek/Daily Beast Company where I devised direct marketing strategies to improve response and financial performance of business areas in order to meet corporate goals. Continued on page 6. Career Connections September 1, 2011 Barnard Career Development Elliott Hall, 2nd Floor www.barnard.edu/cd PHONE NUMBER: 212 854-2033 EMAIL: [email protected]STAFF Robert Earl, Jr. Director Alexandra Nestoras Senior Associate Director Won Kang Associate Director / Student Employment Rachel Tannenbaum Associate Director Valerie Chow Program Director / Internship Programs & Civic Engagement Purnima Taylor Program Director / Employer Relations & Campus Recruitment Victoria Passarella Career Counselor Sarah Noel Alumnae Counselor Katherine Hendry Assistant Director Lindsey Allen Assistant to the Director Hiraida Crespo Office Assistant Bruce Ross Administrative Assistant Nancy Ferro Recruiting Program Assistant 1
Transcript
WHAT TO DO WITH A MAJOR IN ECONOMICS?You’ve decided on a major and are not sure what career path to follow after college. To help you out, we asked three Barnard alumnae who majored in economics to share their career experiences with you!
SOPHIE CARDONA’94-Energy Efficiency Consultant, Quality Conservation ServicesI decided to major in economics because I enjoyed learning theory and then seeing how that theory could be applied to solve everyday problems. For that reason, I was drawn to areas of economics such as poverty alleviation and development, and the economics of gender and immigration. After graduating from Barnard I migrated away from economics and studied interior architecture and design at Parsons. I worked as an interior designer and space planner for several architecture firms for several years, but when my mission to make the world a better place through design did not materialize, I decided to go back to economics, pursuing a Masters degree in International Economics/Affairs with a concentration in Economic Development. Upon graduating, I found employment with an organization focused on the environment. I decided to obtain a green building professional accreditation (LEED) which allowed me to transition into sustainability/green building consulting. This in turn led me to my current position as an energy efficiency consultant. Continued on page 6.
SHILPA LAKHANI‘04-Vice President, Portfolio Manager, Deutsche BankBesides history, social sciences were never truly encouraged during my elementary and secondary schooling years. College offered me the opportunity to explore a field that I would soon discover applied every skill amassed until then. Economics encompassed everything from calculus and finance to psychology and statistics and taking classes at Barnard and Columbia reinforced just that. In particular, I remember learning about modern portfolio theory in Financial Economics and analyzing financial ratios in Intro to Accounting and Finance and immediately thinking that making a career out of this would be exceptionally exciting. Currently I am a fixed income portfolio manager and I have a unique hand in shaping global economics. I have grown to appreciate the financial markets and all its complexities, dynamics, and universality.
JENNIFER BING’90-Independent Contractor, Mast Circulation GroupI decided to major in economics because I had always wanted to work in finance after graduating from Barnard, and believed having a major that was analytical could be advantageous in the recruiting process. My first full-time position was as an Analyst in Public Finance Investment Banking at Lehman Brothers. After Lehman I decided to switch careers and purse an MBA in marketing. I received an MBA from Cornell and worked as an Associate Marketing Manager in Billing Marketing at TV Guide, a position that taught me the fundamentals of direct response consumer marketing. Most recently I served as the Director of Retention Marketing at the Newsweek/Daily Beast Company where I devised direct marketing strategies to improve response and financial performance of business areas in order to meet corporate goals. Continued on page 6.
Career Connections
September 1, 2011
Barnard Career DevelopmentElliott Hall, 2nd Floorwww.barnard.edu/cd
Learn about trends, markets, jobs and major players in leading industries as well as the requirements, career tracks, job outlook, and compensation in a vast number of careers.
Available on the Career Development Websitewww.barnard.edu/cd!
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TEN CAREERS FOR AN ECONOMICS MAJOR
1. Investment Banker: Investment bankers are sales agents who connect businesses that need money to finance their operations or expansion plans with investors who are interested in providing that funding in exchange for debt
2. Market Research Analyst: Market research analysts help companies understand what types of products people want, determine who will buy them and at what price. Gathering statistical data on competitors and examining prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution, they analyze data on past sales to predict future sales.
3. Human Resources: In a small organization, a human resources generalist may handle all aspects of human resources work, and thus require an extensive range of knowledge. In a large corporation, the director of human resources may supervise several departments, each headed by an experienced manager who most likely specializes in one human resources activity, such as compensation and benefits, training and development, or labor relations.
4. Accountant: An accountant helps to ensure that firms are run efficiently, public records kept accurately, and taxes paid properly. They analyze and communicate financial information for various entities such as companies, individual clients, and Federal, State, and local governments.
5. Management Consultant: Management analysts, also referred to as management consultants in private industry, analyze and propose ways to improve an organization's structure, efficiency, or profits.
6. Systems Analyst: A systems analyst researches problems, plans solutions, recommends software and systems, and coordinates development to meet business or other requirements. Because they often write user requests into technical specifications, the systems analysts are the liaisons between vendors and information technology professionals.
7. Advertising Manager: Advertising managers direct a firm’s or group’s advertising and promotional campaign. They can be found in advertising agencies that put together advertising campaigns for clients, in media firms that sell advertising space or time, and in companies that advertise heavily.
8. Marketing Manager: Marketing managers promote an organization's products and services and estimate the demand for products and services offered by the firm and its competitors and identify potential markets for products.
9. Public Sector: Economists in the US Department of Commerce collect and analyze data on the production, distribution, and consumption of commodities produced in the US, and economists employed by the US Department of Labor collect and analyze data on the domestic economy, including data on prices, wages, employment, productivity, and safety and health.
10. Purchasing managers: Purchasing managers and agents buy a vast array of products, durable and nondurable goods, and services for companies and institutions. They attempt to get the best deal for their company—the highest quality goods and services at the lowest possible cost.
SYLVIA SCODROYear: Sophomore Major: Economics Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, BrazilHobbies: Going to the movies and out to dinner, hanging out with my friends
MICHELLE YIPYear: Senior Major: Economics and MathHometown: Brooklyn, NYHobbies: Swimming, table tennis, community service, travel, languages
MARGARET YUKINSYear: Senior Major: Political Science Minor: HistoryHometown: Washington, DCHobbies: Political gossip, knitting, photography, searching for the the best food in NY
DROP-IN HOURS
Peer Career AdvisorsMonday - Friday10 AM - 5 PM
THE PCA’S
Starting at the top, from left to right: Michelle, Jenny, Sylvia, Jenny, Kate, Geraldine, Margaret
This summer, I interned at THiNKGREEN! Global Advisors, a startup investment bank specializing in the clean technology industry. As a growing firm, I was able to see how a business functions at an early stage. The culture at a boutique firm is different from a corporate setting. It is more laid-back but still demanding. I was exposed to multiple aspects of the firm. At the executive level, I listened in on meetings and watch the CEO pitch a company. At the analytical level, research is essential for the firm to learn about possible leads. My tasks included assembling financial reports on clean technology companies and summarizing data into Excel pivot charts and graphs. At the marketing level, the team attended conferences to network with others dedicated to clean technology. There are many innovative energy efficient firms and projects that do not have sufficient funding, and it was an enjoyable experience to see my firm facilitate the process. I learned that no matter what field I enter, there is always a way to give back to the community.
FEATURED INTERNSHIPS For these and other great opportunities, check out NACElink at www.barnard.edu/cd.
Opal Financial – Account Intern. Interns will be responsible for investigating and resolving client billing issues, updating sales information, filing and distributing invoices and classified transactions for clients, and assisting in managing collection lists.
Folio Literary Management, LLC – Editorial, International Rights and Digital Interns. Interns evaluate query letters and manuscript submissions; edit manuscripts and nonfiction book proposals; write pitch letters; communicate with authors, editors, and publicists; and learn the ins and outs of publishing contracts. Interns are also invited to participate in our Intern Academy, where interns meet a different agent each week and learn about the agenting business from finding the client to making the deal.
International Center for Transitional Justice – Communications Intern. Gain practical experience communicating human rights issues through new and traditional media. Interns will work under the supervision of ICTJ’s regular staff and have the opportunity to learn about the Center’s work in key areas of transitional justice. Ideal candidates will have background or strong interest in human rights.
Benenson Strategy Group – Intern. The Benenson Strategy Group is a globally recognized polling and consulting firm. Intern responsibilities include conducting background research on potential clients, setting up reports, support of analytical staff, proofreading research studies, assisting in drafting reports and developing presentations for clients.
Chapin Hill Advisors, Inc. – Intern. A boutique investment and financial planning firm in midtown, Chapin Hill Advisors, Inc. executes financial plans and manages assets for all types of clients. Interns may assist in database entry of clients and network, organizing new client paperwork and processing, setting up marketing venues, communications, and PR and marketing efforts.
1100 Architects – Marketing/Communications Intern. The internship offers an overview of the role of marketing at a design firm. The intern will take part in a variety of activities including Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposals submissions, writing and research projects, creation of marketing material, award submissions and maintenance of contact databases.
The Center for an Urban Future – Policy Research Intern. The Center seeks an intern with experience in journalism or public policy research to assist staff in researching a variety of issues impacting NYC, primarily on studies related to economic development and workforce development. Responsibilities include extensive phone interviews, Web research, attending policy meetings and writing.
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network – Recruitment and Development Intern. The Recruiting and Development Department is looking for an intern to assist the Recruiting Department with pre-screens and resume database pulling, confirmation of appointments, rejection and follow-up letters, coordination of meetings for Recruitment and Development Departments, and assist both the Director of Development and the Internship Director.
Fall 2011 Alumnae & Donor Sponsored Internship Grant ProgramBarnard College offers funding for unpaid internships through alumnae and donor sponsored grants. The maximum award is $800 for a fall semester internship. The Fall 2011 Internship Grant Program is open to students from the classes of 2012, 2013 and 2014. NO late or incomplete applications will be accepted. Workshops are offered prior to the application deadline to review the application process as well as the do’s and don’ts of writing an effective grant application. Visit NACElink to RSVP.APPLICATION: www.barnard.edu/cd/students/funding/internship-grantsAPPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, 9/26 at 11:59PM
Extended Barnard Reach OutExtended Barnard Reach Out (EBRO) is a semester-long program in the fall that brings together a group of 15-20 first-year and transfer students to serve, learn, and reflect together about a specific issue faced in NYC every week. Students participate in service projects, site visits, and seminar presentations about various civic engagement issues. For the Fall 2011 program, participants will travel to Brooklyn to volunteer at a community farm, participate in a service project and site visit to Free Arts NYC, visit City Year's offices, take part in a West Harlem Walking Tour, and more! EBRO will meet on Friday afternoons from 1pm to 3pm. Certain sessions will begin at 12pm. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, 9/7 at 11:59PM
Tow Foundation Special Professional Opportunities FundWould you like to attend a professional development conference? If so, apply for a grant from the Tow Foundation Special Professional Opportunities Fund. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis so apply as soon as possible! INFORMATION: www.barnard.edu/cd/students/funding/tow [email protected] 212-854-2033
VOLUNTEER FOCUS: HEADCOUNT
Do you enjoy concerts? Are you interested in politics, grassroots organizing or voter registration? HeadCount volunteers go to concerts to register voters, inform fellow music fans about key issues and encourage participation in democracy. As the true frontline warriors in the fight for democracy, volunteers must be enthusiastic, good communicators and most of all reliable.
INFORMATION: Liz O'Donnell at [email protected] or 339-927-6629 www.headcount.org
September 1, 2011
Elliott Hall, 2nd Floorwww.barnard.edu/cd
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GET VOLUNTEER AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT RELATED INTERNSHIP AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN YOUR E-MAIL!
Sign up for the New York City Civic Engagement Program e-mail listserv. You will receive weekly announcements of newly posted civic engagement-related opportunities.
SIGN-UP: www.barnard.edu/nyccep
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Barnard College Community Service FairThursday, 10/6 11:30AM to 2PM The Oval, Diana Center
Sponsored by the Office of Community Development and the New York City Civic Engagement Program, the Barnard College Community Service Fair aims to connect Barnard College and Columbia University students, staff, and faculty with local community organizations in need of volunteers for their programs.
INFORMATION: www.barnard.edu/nyccep
HeadCount is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to voter registration and inspiring participation in democracy through the power of music.
If the simple idea of a career fair makes you nervous, you’re not alone. Many students feel intimidated by the assertive crowds, the act of approaching top employers and the pressure to make a fabulous first impression. But fear not, Career Development is here to fully prepare you for the upcoming career fair on September 9th! There are ways that the counselors in our office can assist you that you may have not known about. Identifying your strengths and constructing your 30 second pitch
It can feel nerve-wracking to approach an employer, but it can border on terrifying if you haven’t planned what you will say when you’re in front of them. A counselor can help you sort through your professional and academic experiences and achievements, and help you create a succinct, powerful personal advertisement that will make an impression on the employer.
Getting your practice
Career fairs can feel frightening because for most of you, it’s a relatively new experience. You counselor can role play with you and work through various scenarios that you may encounter at the fair. Also, your counselor is a well suited person to practice executing your 30 second pitch on.
Building your confidence
After you have defined what you will say to an employer, and then practice diligently with your counselor, your confidence will surely get a boost! Also, we as counselors serve one main purpose here at Barnard: to empower the wonderful women around us. Make an appointment with a counselor today!
WHAT TO DO WITH A MAJOR IN ECONOMICS con’t from p.1
SOPHIE CARDONA’94-Energy Efficiency Consultant, Quality Conservation Services As an efficiency consultant, I promote energy efficiency and green retrofit programs for existing buildings in the multi-family residential market in New York City, educating clients about the environmental and economic benefits of energy and resource conservation, including water conservation, energy reduction and carbon emissions reduction.
JENNIFER BING’90-Independent Contractor, Mast Circulation GroupAs an economics major I obtained a strong analytical foundation that is essential for direct marketing since I am constantly analyzing direct mail, email, and telemarketing campaign results.
Job and Internship Career Fair Friday, 9/9 11AM to 3 PMLeFrak Gymnasium, Barnard HallKick-start your job and internship search! Come learn about part-time and full-time positions from over 100 employers!
Student Employment FairFriday, 9/9 11AM to 3 PMJames Room, Barnard Hall Meet over 30 employers hiring students for on-campus opportunities. This is a great way to find a federal work study job!
MAKING THE MOST OF A CAREER FAIR
Never attended a career fair? Not sure what to do? To help you prep, attend one of the workshops listed below.
Career Fair WorkshopsBCD Seminar Room Tuesday, 9/6 at 12:00 PM Wednesday, 9/7 at 10:00 AM Thursday, 9/8 at 4:00 PM
RSVP: NACElink
Join BMO Capital Markets, one of North America’s leading financial services providers in a meeting about job and internship opportunities.
BMO Capital Markets is a leading, full-service provider offering equity and debt underwriting, corporate lending and project financing, merger and acquisitions advisory services, merchant banking, securitization, treasury management, market risk management, debt and equity research and institutional sales and trading. The organization has offices in 27 locations around the world.
INFORMATION SESSION: Monday 9/12 at 6:00 PM Diana Center Student Dining Room
SEPTEMBER CALENDAREvents are listed alphabetically.
Alumnae to Student Mentoring Info SessionMonday, 9/12 at 4:30 PMFriday, 9/16 at 2:30 PMBCD LibraryLearn about the different Program features and how you can benefit. RSVP: NACElink
America Reads Info SessionThursday, 9/8 at 12:30 PMMonday, 9/12 at 4:30 PMTuesday, 9/13 at 5:00 PMThursday, 9/15 at 4:00 PMFriday, 9/16 at 1:00 PMBCD Seminar RoomInterested in using your FEDERAL WORK STUDY to tutor reading or math in local public schools or after school programs? Make sure to attend one of the info sessions.
RSVP: NACElink
Careers & Coffee: Women in FashionTuesday, 9/20 at 6:00 PM Ella Weed Room, Milbank HallMeet with Barnard alumnae working in the fashion world. Hear first hand how they got their start and maintained their career. RSVP: NACElink
Careers & Coffee: Women in Finance Tuesday, 9/13 at 7:30 PM Ella Weed Room, Milbank HallMeet with Barnard alumnae working in the banking and consulting world. Hear first hand how they got their start and maintained their career. RSVP: NACElink
Crafting a Cover Letter and ResumeMonday, 9/12 at 2:00 PM Thursday, 9/22 at 12:00 PM Tuesday, 9/27 at 1:00 PM BCD Seminar Room Learn the basics of writing a resume and cover letter that helps you stand out in the job market.RSVP: NACElink
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Fall 2011 Internship Grant Application WorkshopTuesday, 9/20 at 11:00 AMWednesday, 9/21 at 12:00 PMThursday, 9/22 at 12:00 PMFriday, 9/23 at 10:00 AMBCD Seminar Room Get an overview of the application process, including review of application and submission process and other helpful hints.
The Ins & Outs of NetworkingMonday, 9/19 at 12:00 PM BCD Seminar RoomFind out how to tap into the professional contacts you already have and those you have yet to meet.RSVP: NACElink
Job and Internship Career FairFriday, 9/9 at 11:00 AMLeFrak Gym, Barnard Hall
&Student Employment FairFriday, 9/9 at 11:00 AMJames Room, Barnard HallJoin us to learn about a plethora of opportunities!!
Job and Internship SearchWednesday, 9/14 at 1:00 PMWednesday, 9/21 at 2:00 PM Monday, 9/26 at 2:00 PM BCD Seminar Room Maximize your job and internship search by learning to use Career Development resources, networking opportunities and more.
RSVP: NACElink
JOBS SessionTuesday, 9/6 at 11:00 AMTuesday, 9/6 at 2:00 PMWednesday, 9/7 at 12:00 PMWednesday, 9/7 at 3:00 PMThursday, 9/8 at 10:00 AMThursday, 9/8 at 12:30 PMThursday, 9/8 at 2:30 PMBCD Seminar Room Planning to work? First-time Federal Work Study and Barnard College Job Award recipients are required to attend one of these orientation sessions. Non-Financial Aid students are welcome to attend as well. Session Registration: NACElink
Mastering the InterviewMonday, 9/15, at 12:00 PMWednesday, 9/28 at 12:00 PM BCD LibraryGetting ready for a job interview? Learn how to answer questions, ask the right questions and make yourself shine.RSVP: NACElink
OCR INFO SESSIONS: Alliance BernsteinWednesday, 9/14 at 6:00 PMJudith Shapiro Room, Diana Center
BMO Capital MarketsMonday, 9/12 at 6:00 PMStudent Dining Room, Diana Center
CIAMonday, 9/26 at 6:00 PMJudith Shapiro Room, Diana Center
CitiTuesday, 9/20 at 7:00 PMStudent Dining Room, Diana Center
IBMThursday, 9/22 at 6:00 PMStudent Dining Room, Diana Center
McKinsey & CompanyTuesday, 9/13 at 6:00 PMStudent Dining Room, Diana Center
Mintz Levin’s Project Analyst ProgramThursday, 9/15 at 6:00 PMJudith Shapiro Room, Diana Center
NYC Teaching FellowsTuesday, 9/20 at 5:30 PMBCD Library
