Hometown: Bucharest, Romania
What are you upto post graduation?
I am currently working as a research assistant at the Bank of Canada, in Ottawa.
Tudor Schlanger
How did your economics degree prepare you for a life after graduation?
The VSE experience was key in helping me get my current position. The fundamental macroeconomics courses coupled with the seminar-style class that prepared us for the Governor’s Challenge, shaped the way I think about economics and aligned my interests with the Bank’s activities and mission.
Why study economics at UBC?
The VSE department is the highest ranking department in Canada and this reflects the prestige and the high quality of research. But prospective undergrads learn from professors who genuinely care about teaching, about students’ feedback and their performance. Additionally, many faculty members allow students to contribute to the forefront of economic studies by allowing them to become research assistants.
Why did you choose the BIE program?
The BIE program was new when I enrolled, and I was sold on the ideals that BIE would be a community of students dedicated to understanding current economic phenomena (e.g. Why are some nations poor while others are rich?), studying matters of distribution and equity, and working towards making the world a better place. A program that challenged students with the technical concepts as well as a rigorous methodology. A program that enabled students to go in many professional directions.
What was the one memorable or best experience at the VSE?
The VSE Undergraduate Society gala. This event brought together the Economics community, students and faculty, and wrapped up four years of hard work with the bittersweet taste of farewell.
What advice do you have for BIE students?
I think you should take up every opportunity offered by the program and the department. Expand your horizons, meet people who are not in the BIE bubble, take on roles beyond the Economics environment, and tailor your UBC experience to suit your unique tastes and inclinations.
Favourite place in Vancouver?
Main mall on campus; facing the mountains in the summer, at dusk.
