Hometown: New Delhi, India
Tanya Sharma
What are you up to post-graduation?
I took some time off to travel and reconnect with myself, by exploring the West Coast and Eastern Canada, and then solo backpacking around Europe. I’m excited to be back in Canada, and am looking for a job where I can combine my skills while committing to a social or ecological purpose.
How did your economics degree prepare you for life after graduation?
My BIE degree gave me a vision for the work I want to do, the tools to do it, and a solid network of friends I can rely on. Notably, I was taught how to learn fast and be confident in uncertain circumstances. I believe these skills will serve me as I start a new chapter of my life.
Why study economics at UBC?
I liked economics’ application of questioning and logic to social science phenomena. The endless possibilities to investigate how the world works in a multitude of ways drew me to study economics at UBC: be it development, behavioural, trade, or macroeconomics, there is something to satisfy any curiosity about the world. Besides, our faculty is stellar, renowned, and deeply invested in their students’ learning outcomes.
Why did you choose the BIE program?
The BIE program is unique in bringing together an interesting selection of courses, some of VSE’s most engaging professors, and a driven, ambitious, and caring cohort. I remember watching Ashok’s YouTube video introducing BIE to the world, and I was sold on his vision of bringing together curious young people who wanted to make a positive difference with their knowledge.
What was the one memorable or best experience at the VSE?
One of the best experiences at VSE was taking David Green’s ECON 317 with my cohort. This course introduced us to theories of justice and issues about fairness and equity. We had lively discussions and activities in class, engaging readings, and a paper where we were tasked to analyze an economic policy through any two theories of our choice. The overall experience opened my eyes to the possibilities of economics beyond method and metric.
What advice do you have for BIE students?
It might be overwhelming with economics and economics-loving peers. I would encourage students to go beyond the program and explore what UBC has to offer.
Favourite place in Vancouver?
Peaceful, pristine, and truly magical: Wreck Beach.
