The 2026 backpack2Briefcase (b2B): Economics at Work event was on 26 February. Graduating students attended to hear a panel of three alumni; Elisa Bozzo, Ritu Sharma, and Brett Lin talk about their experiences building careers after completing their degrees in economics. Professor Tyler Paul moderated the discussion and managed questions after.
Aurora (Ruoyao) Yan, a second year student at Innis College who is working on the Finance & Economics Specialist degree shared what she learned to help her find that first job after convocation in the post below.
I recently attended the 2026 backpack2Briefcase (b2B) event hosted by the University of Toronto’s Department of Economics at Max Gluskin House. The panel brought together alumni from various industries to share how they applied their economics degrees in the workplace. Listening to their experiences helped me think more clearly about my own future and the skills that matter beyond coursework.
The diverse experience of the speakers, coming from tech sales leadership, entrepreneurship at the intersection of finance and AI, and risk management, helped me to see that they shared several underlying capabilities.
One key theme was communication. The speakers emphasized that technical knowledge is important, but technical knowledge alone is insufficient. In many roles, especially those involving client relationships or leadership, success depends on the ability to explain complex ideas clearly, to build trust, and to make sound judgments. One speaker described how her job often involves translating technical information into language that clients can understand. I realized that studying economics is not only about mastering models or theories, it is also about learning how to use those tools to communicate in real-world situations.
Another important theme was the importance of following your ideas, despite the certainty that it will create opportunities for a career. Several speakers shared stories of career decisions made before they felt fully prepared. Rather than waiting for perfect conditions, they learned through experience and adjusted along the way. This message felt especially relevant in a fast-changing world where new technology, including AI, is transforming many industries. Waiting until everything feels certain may mean missing opportunities to grow.
The expansion and impact of AI were also addressed. While AI tools can assist with tasks such as writing or research, the speakers stressed that responsibility for decisions rests with the decision-maker. Clear thinking, good judgment, and originality remain essential. When many people have access to the same AI tools, human insight is the advantage.
I found the concept of avoiding “self-rejection” to be pertinent to my future. Students often assume they are not qualified for certain positions because they do not meet every requirement listed in a job description. Women in particular may hesitate to apply unless they feel fully qualified. The speakers encouraged us to focus instead on whether our experience and skills align with the role’s core responsibilities. If there is a strong match between the candidate and the description, then submit the application and let the employers make the decision. This perspective felt empowering, particularly for students who are still determining their strengths.
What impressed me most overall was how the panelists used economic thinking in different contexts. Their careers demonstrated that an economics degree does not lead down a single path. Instead, the knowledge gained through achieving an economics degree provides an organizational framework for analyzing problems, understanding incentives, and making decisions, skills that are valuable across industries.
Attending this event left me feeling both reassured and motivated. It reminded me that career development is not about following a predetermined route, but about building transferable skills and staying open to opportunities. I am grateful to the organizers, speakers, and moderators for creating a space where students could learn from practical experience and ask meaningful questions.
Events like this help bridge the gap between university life and the professional world. For students like me, they provide a clearer sense of what lies ahead and also a reminder that uncertainty is a normal part of the journey.
Return to the Department of Economics website.
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