{"id":18864,"date":"2025-02-17T11:04:53","date_gmt":"2025-02-17T16:04:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/?page_id=18864"},"modified":"2025-02-17T11:07:38","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T16:07:38","slug":"economics-alumni","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/colleges\/parker-business\/departments\/economics\/economics-alumni","title":{"rendered":"Economics Alumni"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<div class=\"Hero-minimal container\" data-animate data-animation=\"fade-in-down\">\n  <div class=\"flush\">\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Economics Alumni<\/h1>\n\n<\/div>\n\n  <nav class=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n    <div class=\"aioseo-breadcrumbs\"><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\tHome\n<\/span><\/div>  <\/nav>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<main id=\"content\">\n  <div class=\" \">\n\n<nav class='Subnav Subnav--full' aria-label=\"Sub navigation\">\n  <div class=\" \">\n\n<h2 class=\"Subnav__heading\">In This Section Menu<\/h2>\n<button class=\"Subnav__toggle\" data-height data-expand aria-expanded=\"true\">\n  <div class=\" \">\n\n<span class=\"wp-block-custom-text\">In This Section<\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n  <span class=\"close-toggle\"><\/span>\n<\/button>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list Subnav__list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/georgiasouthern.edu\/colleges\/parker-business\/departments\/economics\/degrees-programs\/\">Degrees &amp; Programs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/georgiasouthern.edu\/colleges\/parker-business\/departments\/economics\/scholarships\/\">Economics Scholarships<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/georgiasouthern.edu\/colleges\/parker-business\/departments\/economics\/faculty-staff\/\">Faculty &amp; Staff<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/georgiasouthern.edu\/colleges\/parker-business\/departments\/economics\/student-organizations\/\">Student Organizations<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/georgiasouthern.edu\/colleges\/parker-business\/departments\/economics\/student-resources\/\">Student Resources<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/nav>\n\n  <div class=\"container-sm space-sm flush\" data-animate data-animation=\"fade-in-up\">\n    <div class=\"flush\">\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"container space flush\">\n  <div class=\"Section\">\n  <div class=\"block-header      block-header--inline\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meet our Alumni<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  \n\n<div class=\"Section__main flush\">\n\n<div class=\"Accordion\">\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__item\">\n\n<h3 class=\"Accordion__heading\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-animate data-animation=\"fade-in-up\">\n  <button class=\"Accordion__toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n    \n\n<span class=\"wp-block-custom-text\">Robert (Woodie) Williams<\/span>\n\n\n    <span class=\"close-toggle\"><\/span>\n  <\/button>\n<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__content\">\n  <div class=\"Accordion__wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"Accordion__interior flush\">\n  <div class=\"flush\">\n<figure class=\"image image--left\"><div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-woodiewilliams.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-woodiewilliams.png 200w, https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-woodiewilliams-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>BA Economics &#8217;18<br><strong>Assistant District Attorney | Chatham County District Attorney&#8217;s Office<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tell us about your current position.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I currently work as prosecutor as an Assistant District Attorney in the Chatham County District Attorney\u2019s office.<strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How did you become interested in Economics?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I took economics as a seminar during my senior year of high school with my history teacher Mr. Hinker and really enjoyed it. I found Economics to be practical while intellectually challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was one aspect of Georgia Southern that helped you find your career interest or has been important to your career?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My macro-professor, Michael Toma, told me that by developing a skillset and mixing it with my economic thinking, I could be a big help to small businesses by being a lawyer and understanding how small business works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was your favorite course in Economics?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My favorite courses were history of capitalism with Dr. Curtis and my study of financial crises with Dr. Mangee. Both classes looked at how economic thinking is shaped by history. Taking a deep dive into the great recession was one of my favorite academic moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What current advice would you give to current students about careers in economics?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I would tell current students that Economics has a funny way of poking its head out in places you don\u2019t expect. In law school two of my favorite professors, Prof. Dillbary and Prof. Arbel, were great economic thinkers. It continues to amaze me how often I find economic thought in areas where you wouldn\u2019t expect it to be. So, my advice would be take your way of thinking and see how many different places you can apply it. The results will amaze you.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__item\">\n\n<h3 class=\"Accordion__heading\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-animate data-animation=\"fade-in-up\">\n  <button class=\"Accordion__toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n    \n\n<span class=\"wp-block-custom-text\">Kevin Hughes<\/span>\n\n\n    <span class=\"close-toggle\"><\/span>\n  <\/button>\n<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__content\">\n  <div class=\"Accordion__wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"Accordion__interior flush\">\n  <div class=\"flush\">\n<figure class=\"image image--left\"><div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-kevinhughes.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-kevinhughes.png 200w, https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-kevinhughes-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>BA Economics &#8217;17, MBA &#8217;21<br><strong>Vice President of Investments &amp; Private Client Advisor | J.P. Morgan Wealth Management<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tell us about your current position.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Currently I am a Private Client Advisor- Vice President of Investments. Essentially, I am a financial advisor for J.P. Morgan Chase where I work with clients to build\/maintain their wealth through portfolio analysis and market research. I work with clients to make sure their investments are currently in line with their goals. I love to look at myself as a \u201cFinancial Doctor\u201d for my clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How did you become interested in Economics?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I became interested in Economics after taking a finance course with Dr. Mangee. At the time of taking his course I was a Law and Society major, however he made finance\/economics seem very interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was one aspect of Georgia Southern that helped you find your career interest or has been important to your career?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have been lucky enough to obtain both my Economics Degree and my MBA from Georgia Southern and something I took away that helps me with my career is understanding the importance of building relationships. To this day, I am friends with my fellow graduates and most of us are still in the same career field \u2013 &nbsp;we are able to lean on each other for help or even motivation to continue going forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was your favorite course in Economics?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My favorite course in Economics was definitely \u201cMoney and Banking\u201d. The lessons I learned in that course directly affect my career to this day. For example, the understanding of the bond\/stock market directly impacted my ability to obtain the FINRA licenses needed for my current role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What advice would you give to current students about careers in economics?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My advice for current students in Economics is to stick close to your professors, do not be afraid to go to their office hours if you have questions, and show up to class on time. Economics is not a field that comes naturally, it is something that takes time and dedication, but once you put in the time it will all make sense!<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__item\">\n\n<h3 class=\"Accordion__heading\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-animate data-animation=\"fade-in-up\">\n  <button class=\"Accordion__toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n    \n\n<span class=\"wp-block-custom-text\">Cam Randall<\/span>\n\n\n    <span class=\"close-toggle\"><\/span>\n  <\/button>\n<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__content\">\n  <div class=\"Accordion__wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"Accordion__interior flush\">\n  <div class=\"flush\">\n<figure class=\"image image--left\"><div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-camrandall.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-camrandall.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-camrandall-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>BA Economics &#8217;11<br><strong>Senior Data Scientist | Mercury<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tell us about your current position.<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I lead a team of data scientists at Mercury, a fintech startup dedicated to building better banking solutions for startups &amp; businesses. I combat fraud and manage our risks, which ties in well with my natural suspicion of everything. We work on systems that keep our business &amp; customers safe, like fraud detection &amp; anti-money laundering efforts, while also challenging our company to be more data-driven by incorporating data into our goals and decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How did you become interested in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I lead a team of data scientists at Mercury, a fintech startup dedicated to building better banking solutions for startups &amp; businesses. I combat fraud and manage our risks, which ties in well with my natural suspicion of everything. We work on systems that keep our business &amp; customers safe, like fraud detection &amp; anti-money laundering efforts, while also challenging our company to be more data-driven by incorporating data into our goals and decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was one aspect of Georgia Southern that helped you find your career interest or has been important to your career?&nbsp;<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The professors I had got me to where I am today, and I\u2019m confident that&nbsp;I wouldn\u2019t be here if I didn\u2019t have such small classes &amp; intimate relationships with my professors across&nbsp;the college. Dr. John King took me aside &amp; helped guide me, Dr. Nick Lynch helped me decide on my post-undergraduate path, &amp; Dr. Tom Case found a graduate program for me that was a great fit \u2014 but the whole economics department was special. I&#8217;m grateful for their support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was your favorite course in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Econometrics, also the toughest. This was my first foray into data mining &amp; machine learning; I was working at an ice cream shop at the time &amp; my boss always lamented that gas prices would hurt our ice cream sales, which, as part of the class, triggered me to write a research paper on the effects of gas prices on luxury good spending. I built a model using SPSS &amp; didn\u2019t find&nbsp;any significant impact in my research, but it was a perfect lead into data analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What advice would you give to current students about careers in economics?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Economics taught me more than how economies function, but how to problem solve: how can we make choices under scarcity? What are we optimizing for, and what\u2019s the tradeoff? This is valuable no matter what you do. While working at Meta, I found I was surrounded by ECON majors in all types of roles: data analysts, policy advocates, software engineers, consultants, product managers, all with economics degrees. You can go in a bunch of directions! Try one, see how it goes, learn what you like to do and don&#8217;t like to do, and know you can try something else if it doesn\u2019t fit.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__item\">\n\n<h3 class=\"Accordion__heading\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-animate data-animation=\"fade-in-up\">\n  <button class=\"Accordion__toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n    \n\n<span class=\"wp-block-custom-text\">Alexa Morales<\/span>\n\n\n    <span class=\"close-toggle\"><\/span>\n  <\/button>\n<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__content\">\n  <div class=\"Accordion__wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"Accordion__interior flush\">\n  <div class=\"flush\">\n<figure class=\"image image--left\"><div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-alexa.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-alexa.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-alexa-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>BBA International Economics and Finance &#8217;19<br><strong>Associate \u2013 Risk Assurance Services | PwC Trinidad &amp; Tobago<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tell us about your current position.<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am currently an Associate within the Risk Advisory Services Department at Pricewaterhouse Coopers Trinidad &amp; Tobago. My scope of work entails specialized risk-based operational, financial and information technology audits. Enterprise Risk Management also includes Cybersecurity, Data Analytics and Regulatory Compliance reviews. I serve clients on a local, regional and international scale for several diverse industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How did you become interested in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am currently an Associate within the Risk Advisory Services Department at Pricewaterhouse Coopers Trinidad &amp; Tobago. My scope of work entails specialized risk-based operational, financial and information technology audits. Enterprise Risk Management also includes Cybersecurity, Data Analytics and Regulatory Compliance reviews. I serve clients on a local, regional and international scale for several diverse industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was one aspect of Georgia Southern that helped you find your career interest or has been important to your career?&nbsp;<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Georgia Southern professors have been truly instrumental to my career growth and development. The Economics faculty mentored students well to discover their passions and work assiduously towards achieving success in the field. I also served as the GSU Economics tutor during the final year of my undergraduate degree via recommendations by my professors which allowed me to share my knowledge and understanding of the field with incoming and current Economics students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was your favorite course in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My favorite course in Economics was Applied Econometrics lectured by Dr. Jeffrey Schiman. This course was challenging in the best way to truly grasp both Economics and Statistics theoretical concepts to create our own Economics thesis based on real world socio-economic themes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What advice would you give to current students about careers in economics?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Economics is a rewarding and fulfilling career. It allows you to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are valuable in the way we think about our economy and contribute to its growth and development.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__item\">\n\n<h3 class=\"Accordion__heading\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-animate data-animation=\"fade-in-up\">\n  <button class=\"Accordion__toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n    \n\n<span class=\"wp-block-custom-text\">Justin Farquhar<\/span>\n\n\n    <span class=\"close-toggle\"><\/span>\n  <\/button>\n<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__content\">\n  <div class=\"Accordion__wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"Accordion__interior flush\">\n  <div class=\"flush\">\n<figure class=\"image image--left\"><div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-justinfarquhar.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-justinfarquhar.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-justinfarquhar-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>BA Economics &#8217;15<br><strong>Vice President | Development Authority of Bryan County<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tell us about your current position.<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My current position is Vice President of the Development Authority of Bryan County.&nbsp; Various responsibilities come with this role, but most fall into two buckets: new industry recruitment and existing industry retention.&nbsp; On the new industry recruitment side, I work with various state agencies, consultants, and local partners to attract new industries to Bryan County.&nbsp;&nbsp; On the existing industry retention side, I work with more local and regional partners to assist with wage and labor market analysis, workforce development, and community and government relations, among others.&nbsp; Ultimately, our goal is to create quality job opportunities for people and diversify the community&#8217;s tax base.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How did you become interested in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I watched the movie Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, which in hindsight doesn\u2019t have much to do with economics, over Christmas break my freshman year.&nbsp; I thought working on Wall Street looked interesting, so I signed up for an introductory economics class that Spring.&nbsp; I really enjoyed the class and ended up declaring economics as my major after that semester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was one aspect of Georgia Southern that helped you find your career interest or has been important to your career?&nbsp;<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The availability and willingness of my professors to mentor me were very important.&nbsp; I worked as a Research Assistant for the department, and during that time, it was suggested to me by Dr. Saadaatmand that I might like an internship that became available with the Effingham Industrial Development Authority.&nbsp; Before this internship, I didn\u2019t know anything about economic development, but once I knew about it, I thought it could be a career path I would enjoy.&nbsp; As I have progressed in my career, mentorship has continued to play an essential role in my growth. &nbsp;Finding someone who will work with you and encourage you to grow and take on new opportunities is very important. I\u2019m very fortunate that my CEO makes that type of mentorship a priority in our organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was your favorite course in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Portfolio Analysis was my favorite course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What advice would you give to current students about careers in economics?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I think the best thing you can do is talk to people with jobs you find interesting about the possibility of an internship. Even if an internship opportunity does not currently exist somewhere you may want to work, that doesn\u2019t mean one couldn\u2019t be created. My second internship in economic development resulted from an unsolicited email I sent to the CEO of the development authority in my hometown. That opportunity led me to where I am today. In my opinion, there is no better way to learn what you like (and dislike) doing than by trying different internships.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__item\">\n\n<h3 class=\"Accordion__heading\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-animate data-animation=\"fade-in-up\">\n  <button class=\"Accordion__toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n    \n\n<span class=\"wp-block-custom-text\">Lex Parent<\/span>\n\n\n    <span class=\"close-toggle\"><\/span>\n  <\/button>\n<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__content\">\n  <div class=\"Accordion__wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"Accordion__interior flush\">\n  <div class=\"flush\">\n<figure class=\"image image--left\"><div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-lexparent.gif\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>BBA Economics &#8217;20<br><strong>Secondary Transaction Coordinator | Coastal Custom Mortgage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tell us about your current position.<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am currently a Secondary Transaction Coordinator at Coastal Custom Mortgage. My main responsibilities are ensuring mortgages are in compliance with federal guidelines in order to sell the loans to various investors and wiring closing funds to attorneys for the loan to close successfully. I monitor&nbsp;interest&nbsp;rates throughout the day to get an idea of how the market will shift and understand how it will affect borrowers who have not locked in their interest&nbsp;rate for the duration of&nbsp;the loan. I prepare and post-close all files to confirm all documents have been collected properly to pass a state or federal audit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How did you become interested in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I became interested&nbsp;in economics my freshman year of&nbsp;college when I was taking a hybrid macro and micro introduction class. The class was covering printing money versus the Federal Reserve creating money and I had assumed those were the same thing up until that class period. After going in depth about the differences, how each affects the economy and real-world examples, my mind was blown. I switched my major to Economics immediately after that class.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was one aspect of Georgia Southern that helped you find your career interest or has been important to your career?&nbsp;<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Econometrics is probably the largest reason I am successful in my role. Learning how to properly interpret data after manipulating it and thinking outside of the box about what the results mean help me understand what profits will be when selling a loan. Most math in mortgage feels like interpreting a regression, and without having that understanding<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I would have no idea what I was doing. Numbers aren&#8217;t just numbers; they have meaning, and you have to figure out what that meaning is &#8212; just like I did in econometrics.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was your favorite course in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My favorite econ course is a strong tie between Environmental Economics and Health Economics.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What advice would you give to current students about careers in economics?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You learn about so many aspects&nbsp;of economics in school and it&#8217;s okay to not know what field you want to have a career in right out of college. It&#8217;s cool to have the option to go into almost any career field with an econ degree, but it can also be daunting. It can be tough hearing peers saying they know exactly what career they want or their plans after grad school when you have no idea what you want to do. I applied to jobs in the sports, music and environmental fields before landing in mortgage because I had no idea what field I wanted to be in. It is okay to not know. Don&#8217;t be hard on yourself, you will figure it out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__item\">\n\n<h3 class=\"Accordion__heading\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-animate data-animation=\"fade-in-up\">\n  <button class=\"Accordion__toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n    \n\n<span class=\"wp-block-custom-text\">Alex Conarton<\/span>\n\n\n    <span class=\"close-toggle\"><\/span>\n  <\/button>\n<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__content\">\n  <div class=\"Accordion__wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"Accordion__interior flush\">\n  <div class=\"flush\">\n<figure class=\"image image--left\"><div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-alexconarton.gif\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>BBA Economics &#8217;21<br><strong>Industry and Research Manager | Effingham County Industrial Development Authority<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tell us about your current position.<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I serve as the Industry and Research Manager for the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority. Our top priority is to create quality jobs and investment through the attraction and retention of industrial companies in Effingham County. My role is on the business retention side acting as a liaison between industry and local and regional service providers, educational partners, and community stakeholders to help our industries with everyday challenges related to labor attraction and retention, training, and talent pipeline. I also provide research for internal analytical purposes and external marketing uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How did you become interested in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In high school I decided that I wanted to work in government and entered college with a business major and a plan to attend law school upon graduation. After an internship, I realized differently but was too far into classes within the Parker College of Business. Needing to change my major to something that would position me for a public career while not losing credits, I chose economics which was the perfect fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was one aspect of Georgia Southern that helped you find your career interest or has been important to your career?&nbsp;<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Georgia Southern was essential to my professional development. I took two classes within the career services department and gained internships through extracurricular activities and on-campus career fairs. My professor, Dr. Jeff Schiman, sent me the internship information for the Effingham County IDA where I now work full time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was your favorite course in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although Intro to Macro was the easiest, my favorite course was Public Finance and Public Policy. I recommend it to anyone interested in public sector economics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What advice would you give to current students about careers in economics?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>éÙ×ÓÊÓƵ to internships in your desired field and meet as many people and learn as much as you can. You never know what will lead to more.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__item\">\n\n<h3 class=\"Accordion__heading\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-animate data-animation=\"fade-in-up\">\n  <button class=\"Accordion__toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n    \n\n<span class=\"wp-block-custom-text\">Cameron Speakes<\/span>\n\n\n    <span class=\"close-toggle\"><\/span>\n  <\/button>\n<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__content\">\n  <div class=\"Accordion__wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"Accordion__interior flush\">\n  <div class=\"flush\">\n<figure class=\"image image--left\"><div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-cameronspeakes.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-cameronspeakes.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-cameronspeakes-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>BBA Economics &#8217;20<br><strong>Consultant, Quality Analytics | Kaiser Permanente of Georgia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tell us about your current position.<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My role is tasked with maintaining data for the Hospital and Acute Care Division, providing insights into what the metrics indicate to physicians and their staff, answering questions they may have about how patient care is provided, and using data in creative ways to help them improve where they can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How did you become interested in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I had to take some of the intro level courses for a different degree and liked the topics and discussions so much that I changed majors. As I continued in the program, I learned that what I enjoyed most was analyzing problems from an economic perspective and then using data analysis to search for answers to those problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was one aspect of Georgia Southern that helped you find your career interest or has been important to your career?&nbsp;<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201chands on approach\u201d in the upper-level courses introduced me to data analysis and allowed me to perform my own econometric research, not just read about someone else\u2019s work and process. This was the first step for me that ultimately led me to grad school and then to my career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was your favorite course in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Applied Econometrics. It was challenging in a good way and opened doors for me as a student and a professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What advice would you give to current students about careers in economics?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find a field that interests you and start to ask questions about how an economist can impact that space. Economics as a discipline is deeper than most people realize. All industries not only have economists specialized in that field, but also have various teams of people dedicated to analyzing data and finding answers to the problems that they face.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__item\">\n\n<h3 class=\"Accordion__heading\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-animate data-animation=\"fade-in-up\">\n  <button class=\"Accordion__toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n    \n\n<span class=\"wp-block-custom-text\">Joanna Faber<\/span>\n\n\n    <span class=\"close-toggle\"><\/span>\n  <\/button>\n<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__content\">\n  <div class=\"Accordion__wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"Accordion__interior flush\">\n  <div class=\"flush\">\n<figure class=\"image image--left\"><div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"266\" height=\"266\" src=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-joannafaber-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-joannafaber-1.jpg 266w, https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-joannafaber-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 266px) 100vw, 266px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>BBA Economics &#8217;19<br><strong>Associate | Cloudmed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tell us about your current position.<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am an associate at Cloudmed Revenue Intelligence Solutions. I work with insurance companies to recover revenue for hospital clients by examining contract language and translating it into data modeling to facilitate proper pricing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How did you become interested in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It happened quite organically. I came to Georgia Southern undecided, but I thought the business school would be a good place to start. My first semester I was enrolled in macroeconomics with Prof. Jeff Schiman. I really enjoyed the class and so I enrolled in another economics class the following semester, eventually declaring it my major.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was one aspect of Georgia Southern that helped you find your career interest or has been important to your career?&nbsp;<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The faculty in the economics department at Georgia Southern played such a big role in my career. Going to office hours allowed me to build connections with professors, who pushed me to aim big in my goals. Without them, I would have never even applied to graduate school. Because of them, I graduated from one of the top graduate programs in the nation for public health.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was your favorite course in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Applied Econometrics. This was by far the most challenging course I took at Georgia Southern and it paid off. The skills I learned from hours spent in the computer lab helped me during the interview for the job I have now.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What advice would you give to current students about careers in economics?&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think broadly! An economics degree is highly valuable in many fields, not just in the world of business. I have met lawyers, restaurant owners, teachers, and doctors who hold degrees in economics.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__item\">\n\n<h3 class=\"Accordion__heading\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-animate data-animation=\"fade-in-up\">\n  <button class=\"Accordion__toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n    \n\n<span class=\"wp-block-custom-text\">AnnMarie Grason<\/span>\n\n\n    <span class=\"close-toggle\"><\/span>\n  <\/button>\n<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__content\">\n  <div class=\"Accordion__wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"Accordion__interior flush\">\n  <div class=\"flush\">\n<figure class=\"image image--left\"><div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-annmarie-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-annmarie-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-annmarie-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-annmarie.png 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>BBA Economics &#8217;19<br><strong>Associate Consultant | Ernst &amp; Young<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tell us about your current position.<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am currently an associate consultant within Ernst &amp; Young\u2019s Economic Development Advisory Services Practice.&nbsp;We work with governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, and workforce agencies. Our services include strategic planning, competitive assessments, benchmarking, economic equity strategies, global market insights and innovative custom solutions. We help communities create and deploy economic development strategies and practical tools to achieve higher-performing economies that generate opportunities for all their residents. In my specific role I have the opportunity to work in many facets of economic development strategic planning including project coordination, stakeholder engagement, research, strategy drafting and site visits. By far, my favorite part of my role is being able to help communities through challenges and see them thrive when and after implementing strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>How did you become interested in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In high school, I participated in the dual enrollment program and took my first economics class. I was immediately intrigued with how practical and applicable it was to life and everyday issues. Once I really thought about what I wanted to do for my career, I realized economics was at the center of it all. I have a passion for helping residents, businesses and communities thrive and at the center of it all is a thriving economy.<br><br><strong>What was one aspect of&nbsp;Georgia Southern&nbsp;that helped you find your career interest or has been important to your career?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I took an economic development class at Georgia Southern that really sealed the deal. In addition to that, the connections I made with professors and classmates are valuable to this day and will continue to be throughout my professional career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>What was your favorite course in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Econometrics and Health Economics: I liked these courses for the same reason, they both required a lot of independent research on topics of your choice which summed up to a final paper and presentation. I enjoyed courses where I could see the fruits of my labor at the end. I am also still using data analysis tools I learned in these courses in my career today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><br>What advice would you give to current students about careers in economics?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are so many career paths within economics, use internships as an opportunity to see what you like.&nbsp; If you are deciding between economic development and economic forecasting for example, get an internship in both. It is a great opportunity to try out different positions within a career path without the commitment of a full-time role.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__item\">\n\n<h3 class=\"Accordion__heading\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-animate data-animation=\"fade-in-up\">\n  <button class=\"Accordion__toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n    \n\n<span class=\"wp-block-custom-text\">Jordan Totten<\/span>\n\n\n    <span class=\"close-toggle\"><\/span>\n  <\/button>\n<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__content\">\n  <div class=\"Accordion__wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"Accordion__interior flush\">\n  <div class=\"flush\">\n<figure class=\"image image--left\"><div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-jordantotten-300x300.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-jordantotten-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-jordantotten-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-jordantotten.png 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>BBA Economics &#8217;14<br><strong>Machine Learning Specialist | Google<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tell us about your current position.<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m a Machine Learning specialist with Google Cloud, focusing on the space where machine learning intersects with the challenges facing society and businesses today. I help retail and CPG customers use Google\u2019s AI services to innovate, optimize, and scale their business applications in the cloud. I use their feedback and use cases to prioritize new features in our product roadmaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How did you become interested in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I was particularly interested in learning how organizations and individuals make decisions with limited resources. I knew this would be a useful foundation I could apply to any field or discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was one aspect of Georgia Southern that helped you find your career interest or has been important to your career?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding cooperative game theory has been very helpful for my career. Shapley values are a fundamental concept in Explainable AI, and at Google they are currently the primary mechanism for attributing the impact of each input on a model\u2019s final prediction. This is incredibly useful for detecting bias in data, promoting fair and responsible AI, debugging large systems, and helping production models adapt to an ever-changing environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was your favorite course in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Applied Econometrics<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What advice would you give to current students about careers in economics?&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn how to wrangle large amounts of data. The ability to efficiently conduct quantitative analysis is incredibly valuable in any field.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__item\">\n\n<h3 class=\"Accordion__heading\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-animate data-animation=\"fade-in-up\">\n  <button class=\"Accordion__toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n    \n\n<span class=\"wp-block-custom-text\">Najae Moore<\/span>\n\n\n    <span class=\"close-toggle\"><\/span>\n  <\/button>\n<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__content\">\n  <div class=\"Accordion__wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"Accordion__interior flush\">\n  <div class=\"flush\">\n<figure class=\"image image--left\"><div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-najaemoore-300x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-najaemoore-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-najaemoore-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-najaemoore.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>BBA Economics &amp; Finance \u201921<br><strong>Associate Analyst | Fitch Ratings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tell us about your current position.<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am currently an Associate Analyst at Fitch Ratings. I serve as a credit analyst on the Real Estate and Leisure team, specifically covering Homebuilding and Building Products companies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How did you become interested in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My interest in economics stemmed from my interest in politics. Once I was old enough to understand the connection between the two, as well as the connection between economics and everything else in the world, I was fascinated with the field.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was one aspect of Georgia Southern that helped you find your career interest or has been important to your career?&nbsp;<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My extracurricular activities from college have played a vital role in my journey to find and establish a career. I think taking the time outside of classes to voluntarily immerse myself in related organizations gave me additional exposure to economics and finance that went beyond the classroom. Also, my extracurricular activities were a huge talking point in my interviews post-college. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was your favorite course in economics?&nbsp;<\/strong><strong><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My favorite course in economics was Applied Econometrics taught by Dr. Jeff Schiman. I think it was one of the first courses where I was immensely challenged and interested. While the course was by far one of my most challenging, it was one where I could easily see where the real-world, post-college value lied. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What advice would you give to current students about careers in economics?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I would advise current students to understand and take advantage of the fact that an economics degree is highly applicable and can be useful in many different career paths, so don\u2019t limit yourself!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__item\">\n\n<h3 class=\"Accordion__heading\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-animate data-animation=\"fade-in-up\">\n  <button class=\"Accordion__toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n    \n\n<span class=\"wp-block-custom-text\">Keith Stille<\/span>\n\n\n    <span class=\"close-toggle\"><\/span>\n  <\/button>\n<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__content\">\n  <div class=\"Accordion__wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"Accordion__interior flush\">\n  <div class=\"flush\">\n<figure class=\"image image--left\"><div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-keithstille-1-300x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-keithstille-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-keithstille-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-keithstille-1.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>BBA Economics &#8217;19<br><strong>Area Manager | Amazon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tell us about your current position.<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My current position is a L5 Area Manager at Amazon. I actively monitor and allocate resource and inventory flows in my Fulfillment Center. I use my understanding of data on a day-to-day basis to ensure operations are balanced between several inbound departments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How did you become interested in economics?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I started out as an Accounting major. Once I graduated with my associates, my hunger for greater, more diverse knowledge combined with encouragement from my professors and family peaked my interest in Economics. My journey to be an Econ Major started when I used to watch Milton Friedman\u2019s lectures on YouTube to gain insight into some economic theory and principles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was one aspect of Georgia Southern that helped you find your career interest or has been important to your career?&nbsp;<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The excellent professors who guided me along my journey. They really pushed me to obtain greater understanding and never faltered on lending a hand. Every professor gave me inspiration in their own way to pursue economics from a standpoint that would benefit my interests and goals. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was your favorite course in economics?&nbsp;<\/strong><strong><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Econometrics. I took it twice. The course gave me the opportunity to learn data analysis and demonstrate my independent research utilizing regression models. It gave me insight into understanding data and seeing a \u201cbig picture\u201d while formulating questions on the \u201cwhy?\u201d and \u201chow?\u201d of economic actions\/decisions made over time. I learned to deep dive and become proficient with data-analysis software. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What advice would you give to current students about careers in economics?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Economics as a major has the advantage of being applicable anywhere. Pursue knowledge on economic topics that pertain to your career choice and continuously learn about them. Economics is a constant ebb and flow and is always changing, so explore those endless possibilities. Just a little research can spark a lifetime career.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__item\">\n\n<h3 class=\"Accordion__heading\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-animate data-animation=\"fade-in-up\">\n  <button class=\"Accordion__toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n    \n\n<span class=\"wp-block-custom-text\">Tom Jackson<\/span>\n\n\n    <span class=\"close-toggle\"><\/span>\n  <\/button>\n<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"Accordion__content\">\n  <div class=\"Accordion__wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"Accordion__interior flush\">\n  <div class=\"flush\">\n<figure class=\"image image--left\"><div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-tomjackson-300x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-tomjackson-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-tomjackson-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/georgia-southern-perker-alumni-tomjackson.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>BBA Economics &#8217;23<br><strong>Finance Associate | Tenet Advisors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tell us about your current position.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am a finance associate at Tenet Advisors, an exciting new financial start-up company based in Savannah that operates within the family office market. I work to deliver tangible financial reports that incorporate detailed liquidity planning, cash flow analysis, specialized asset analysis, and financial statement creation to allow families to make better informed decisions about their day-to-day activities and plan for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How did you become interested in Economics?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I originally came to the US to study biology, but after a first-year honors economics class with Dr. Jeff Schiman, I became completely engrossed in the world of economics. Mathematics was always a huge interest for me too and many economic principles are underpinned by mathematical calculations and so I found it relatively easy to think through the theories and data presented in class. A combination of logic, theory, and math stimulated my interest in the subject and within the first semester of being at Georgia Southern I reevaluated my choice of major and decided to switch to economics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was one aspect of Georgia Southern that helped you find your career interest or has been important to your career?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is difficult, because there were numerous aspects of GS life that contributed to my development but one of the most important was my extracurricular involvement in activities throughout campus. While on the Men\u2019s soccer team, I was also on the leadership team of both the éÙ×ÓÊÓƵ Economics Society (EES) and the Southern Investment Association. The EES helped me to network with professionals that had already made a name for themselves within the economic \/ financial industry. Their insights on how to become successful, best practices at university, and industry knowledge helped me to understand how principles within the classroom could be applied to everyday scenarios within the professional workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What was your favorite course in Economics?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two that initially come to the forefront of my mind. The first would be the freshman honors \u2018Intro to Macroeconomics\u2019 class that I took. As mentioned above, I enjoyed it enough to change my major as it opened my eyes to the possibilities that studying economics has to offer. Secondly, I would say that my overall favorite class was Applied Econometrics. The skills I learned in that class (from both a theoretical and practical standpoint) pushed me intellectually in ways that no other class at GS was able to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What current advice would you give to current students about careers in economics?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First and foremost, economics is EVERYWHERE. Whether you notice it or not, every single aspect of daily life has some element of economics related to it. I mention this because the main piece of advice that I would offer to students is to find an area of economics that you enjoy and use the information learned within the classroom to excel in that chosen area. There is a job for each and every economics student that they will enjoy so be inquisitive, apply yourself in the classroom, network to find that one person that holds the key to open the next door for you, and ask lots of questions to as many people as possible. Finding that first job can be difficult, so make sure you put yourself in the best position to demonstrate your skills and qualities in front of potential employers.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  \n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/main>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"parent":1932,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-18864","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18864","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18864"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18864\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18885,"href":"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18864\/revisions\/18885"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1932"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.georgiasouthern.edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}