Eddie Woo explores Economics at Sydney
On the back of Hon Chris Bowen MP (BEc 1994) calling for more young people to study economics, Mr Eddie Woo (Education Ambassador; Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences) examined the Bachelor of Economics and the reasons to study it.
In a series of ‘In Conversation’ interviews with Ms Leith Thompson (Economics Teacher; Sydney Grammar School), and Dr Rebecca Taylor (Economics Lecturer; University of Sydney), Mr Woo asked questions including:
- Why should I study the Bachelor of Economics?
- What careers can I pursue if I do the Bachelor of Economics?
- How many majors can I undertake within the Bachelor of Economics, and what are my options?
- Are there any industry opportunities available as an Economics student?
- What should I expect taking Economics classes at the University of Sydney?
In the first video, aimed at students selecting their HSC subjects in Years 9 to 11, Eddie and Ms Thompson discuss how Economics provides tools that help to explain, understand, and change the world. They look at how Economics provides benefits beyond two units and an understanding of who has what and why, and compare Business Studies versus Economics. Ms Thompson believes if you are passionate about global and domestic issues, then Economics develops critical thinking and analytical skills which can be applied to any career – even those that have not been invented yet!
You should study Economics so that you understand what’s going on and you want power, cause Economics is powerful. If you’re interested in being one of the two top graduates for employability, and for financial compensation for employability, then Economics is your degree.
In the second video, aimed at students considering university options in Years 11 to 12, Eddie and Dr Taylor discuss how Economics is all about making decisions; whether that’s people, businesses or governments. Dr Taylor uses an example of a decision made about a hot chocolate beverage purchase to illustrate how an Economist would look at that decision while thinking about the benefits of the decision, the cost of the decision, and the constraints that people face when they make those decisions.
Economics is what we call a Social Science and both words “Social” and “Science” are very important. Economics applies the scientific method to understand social issues.
In the third and final video, aimed at High School Students, Eddie, Ms Thompson, and Dr Taylor answer questions for students who are “Economics Curious” and discuss that you should study the Bachelor of Economics if you are interested in developing analytical skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and logic, and applying them to social issues like inequality, climate change, or even subjects such as sports or dating, as there’s so many ways and so many social issues where you can apply Economics.
If you want to be an agent of social change, Economics is a great degree for you to have.
Study the Bachelor of Economics with the School of Economics within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Please see Dr Mary Booth Scholarship; The Mary Henderson (Gerstle) Undergraduate Scholarship in Economic History; The Pinnacle Women in Finance Scholarship; and, The Sandra Cadwallader Indigenous Economics Scholarships for available scholarships. ‘In Conversation’ is supported by Strategic Partnerships and Engagement's High School Engagement within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Banner image: Photo by Falaq Lazuardi on Unsplash