The department's alumni and graduate students get together to discuss options for career paths after graduation
February 13, 2018
This annual event is organized in partnership with the Graduate Economics Union at U of T and this year took place on January 25 at Max Gluskin House. Providing the opportunity for current MA students to focus on career exploration and the job search process, Life After U of T invites alumni presenters who talk candidly and informatively about their post-MA experiences. Professor Dwayne Benjamin, former department chair and now Vice Dean, Graduate Education in the Faculty of Arts & Science, welcomed the alumni volunteers so generous with their time:
 | David Hutchings(Class of 2014 | JD Student): Senior Associate, The Brattle Group |  | Jessie Lamontagne(Class of 2010 | PhD student): Model Development | Retail Modelling & Analytics | Global Risk Management, Scotiabank |
 | Farah Omran(Class of 2017): Researcher, CD Howe Institute |  | Payam Pakravan(Class of 2001): Vice-President, Strategy and Analytics, Ontario Telemedicine Network |
 | Helen Platis(Class of 1990 | MBA 2000): President, Lacuna Canada |  | Boriana Miloucheva(Class of 2014 | PhD Student): Panel moderator |
Many more MA alumni attended, reconnecting with fellow alumni from their class year and making new connections with other alumni and current students. Graduate administrator and MA placement officer Shannon Elliott spoke warmly of the level of engagement in evidence: "We're so grateful to our speakers for their participation and ongoing involvement with the department. It is a testament to the strong bonds forged during their time here as students that so many alumni return to share their experiences and advice with students taking their first career steps."
In a lively evening of discussion and networking, students were able to consider the challenges of navigating the transition to professional life by hearing first-hand experiences from previous students - and have the opportunity to ask questions of them directly. At the end of the event, many students and alumni adjourned to a local pub to carry on conversations that in many cases were only just getting started. While Shannon Elliott has been emphasizing to current students that "now is the time to get serious about placement", it's clear that an integral part of the process is getting convivial about it as well.
View the Life After U of T photo gallery
