Exploring Career Pathways in Economics
Current UIC students learn from those that have come before!
Last month, students from all over campus participated in the Exploring Career Pathways in Economics event on March 5th. It was organized by Professor Foteini Tzachrista, Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Economics department. The panel was a dynamic conversation featuring UIC alumni who have taken diverse and inspiring career paths.
Meet the Panelists:
- Mobeen Farooq Chaudhry, UIC alum turned law Associate at Latham & Watkins, reflects on his pivot from tech and data to legal and policy work.
- Elisa Cherry, former educator and current Research Associate at Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation (PIE), highlights the importance of curiosity and applying data to social impact.
- Antoni Guitart, Vice President at TransUnion, shares how hands-on analytics and adaptability drive success in data science and risk modeling.
From data strategy and education to law, non-profit consulting, and machine learning, our alumni shared how students can begin shaping their journeys. When asked what advice they would give themselves that could be useful for students now, Elisa recommended “taking the time explore personal interests and aligning them with an economics degree fosters richer discussions and a stronger sense of ownership over one’s academic path”. Similarly, Antoni shared that “economics is a valuable field of study because it helps you understand how the world functions, which you can apply as a responsible citizen.” Mobeen agreed, saying that “While many students may arrive at similar answers in coursework, the real world requires thinking critically and solving problems creatively.”
As the conversation moved to life after graduation, the alumni shared decisive moments in their journeys. For Mobeen, starting his career at a startup with a small team, gave him an opportunity “Prioritizing learning early in my career was one of my best decisions, as it proved valuable and fulfilling.” Elisa agreed, when transition between jobs, she learned that “Developing transferable skills and learning how to apply them in different roles is essential for career growth.” Antoni also reminded students that “It is important to maintain a flexible and adaptable mindset, as career paths may shift unexpectedly.”
Thank you to our alumni for sharing insights on how to make the most of their studies, graduate school, career decision-making, and networking strategies! Please be on the lookout for future events!
Modified on April 16, 2025