Decode Econ

In an increasingly competitive and uncertain job market, the difference between those who thrive and those who merely survive often comes down to one factor that business schools rarely teach—building and maintaining your professional support network. Over decades of mentoring, I've observed hundreds of careers. I've identified a clear pattern: those who intentionally build what I call a &...

The current administration is breaking all of its policy rules when it comes to eggs. Their new approach can teach us a lot about the role of government and remind us why government is important. The market has seen a 50% surge in egg prices due to an avian influenza outbreak. In response, the federal government plans to introduce a five-pronged strategy. Get full access to Decode Econ at www.deco...

I have a note in my Notes app called "Thoughts." This is where I collect ideas throughout my day. It's nothing fancy, just a collection of random things that I find interesting: Get full access to Decode Econ at www.decodeecon.com/subscribe

Join Dr. A as we explore critical issues in economics education. This episode highlights: Midterm reflections for students and professors A revealing study on racial and gender achievement gaps in economics classrooms The impact of stereotype threat on student performance, especially for female URM students Strategies for creating inclusive learning environments and combating stereotypes Discover...

On Tuesday, 45,000  dockworkers went on strike  for the first time in decades, impacting 36 U.S. ports from Maine to Texas. This strike highlights a growing tension between technological innovation and job security, a conflict that will likely affect us all. At the core of this issue lies a fundamental question: How can we embrace innovation without sacrificing workers’ livelihoods? Today, we expl...

Today, I want to explore a topic that often goes unnoticed: how language can be used to exclude people from "being in the room." This is why I'm so passionate about teaching my students the language of professionalism and economics—it's the driving force behind this newsletter and our podcast. More resources in the newsletter www. WithDrA.com Get full access to Decode Econ at www...

Summary In this conversation, Dr. A and Matt Frey discuss early career advice and how to navigate the transition from college to the workforce. They emphasize the importance of networking, being authentic, and strategic thinking. Matt shares his insights on the application process, including the need to understand the changing labor market and minimize information asymmetry. He also provides advic...

This week, we explore economic research and career development with Ben Reynolds, the first Haile Fellow. Now a senior research analyst for the Council of State Governments, Ben's journey showcases the versatility of economics skills across industries. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication in research and the value of combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Ben's...

Today, we sit down with Becca Wilson, an NKU Haile College of Business alumna, former Haile Research Fellow, and current employee at 3CDC. Key Takeaways: (03:10) Becca credits the Haile Fellows Program for opening up new career paths and opportunities she wouldn't have considered otherwise, like working in a nonprofit organization (10:24) Reflection is crucial for personal and professional gro...

Guest: Brooklyn Stephens, NKU Economics alumna, former Haile Research Fellow, adjunct professor, and MBA graduate from the University of Kentucky Key Takeaways: • (05:28) Brooklyn shares her most memorable experience as a Haile Research Fellow, presenting at the Kentucky Economic Association conference amidst challenging personal circumstances   • (07:57) The support and empathy from Dr. A during...

In this episode of Economics with Dr. A, Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani interviews Tyler Kent, a graduate from the class of 2019 and a former participant in the Haile Fellows Program. They discuss Tyler's experience in the program, its impact on his career, and his advice for current fellows. The conversation highlights the importance of experimentation, curiosity, and having fun in the learning proc...

In this conversation, Dr. Abdullah Bahrani interviews Aro Rajaonah, a former Haile Fellow and a pre-doctoral research specialist at Princeton University. Aro shares his experience as a Haile Fellow and advises current fellows. He emphasizes the importance of coding skills, networking, and reading widely. Aro also discusses his plans, including applying to PhD programs. The conversation highlights...

In this episode of Economics with Dr. A, we sit down with Sophia Hermosilla, a recent graduate of Thomas More University and a former fellow at the Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Sophia shares her journey from Panama, her home country, to pursuing her undergraduate degree in the US. She has decided to continue her education with a graduate degree at George Washington Universi...

Summary In this powerful episode, Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani sits down with Mrs. Jeni Al Bahrani and Erin Preston, a graduating senior at Thomas More University, to discuss Erin's experience as a fellow at the Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The main themes include professional development, mentorship, and the importance of community. Erin shares her journey of initially hesi...

Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani welcomes Grace McConn, a graduating Haile Fellow, to reflect on her experience in the program. Grace is the commencement speaker for her upcoming graduation and a Haile Fellow. We discuss the five things she learned while working as a Haile Fellow.  5 Key Things Grace Learned as a Haile Fellow: 1. The Power of Community (04:23) 2. Teaching and Being a Professor (13:45) 3. T...

Episode Description: In this episode, Dr. A delves into the troubling trend of the declining share of income allocated to American workers, despite their increasing productivity and output. The discussion explores the factors contributing to this decline, including globalization, the decline in union membership, and the growing automation of jobs. Dr. A also examines the recent groundbreaking deci...

Embrace Exploration:  Refrain from rushing into major life decisions such as buying a home or pursuing graduate school immediately after graduation. Instead, focus on building diverse experiences and exploring various career paths to find the best fit for you. Leverage Your Economics Degree:  An economics degree is highly versatile and opens doors to various job opportunities across different indu...

Summary Have you ever felt like you're constantly measuring your achievements against someone else's ruler? In our latest episode, we dive deep into college pressures, the comparison trap, and the quest for personal success. Join me, Grace, Fawwaz, and the latest addition to the team, Emma, as we dig into the realities of navigating life's early challenges and opportunities. Here’s why...

Summary In this episode, Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani discusses financial literacy with Jennifer Inman , the Executive Director of the Kentucky Financial Empowerment Commission (KFEC), and her team. They emphasize the importance of understanding personal finance and making sound financial decisions. The team shares their financial journeys and highlights the need to teach financial literacy in a person...

Read more and sign up for the giveaway here https://open.substack.com/pub/draalbahrani/p/the-psychology-of-money?r=eikdh&utm_medium=ios Get full access to Decode Econ at www.decodeecon.com/subscribe

Summary Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani interviews Antowan Batts, a supporter of the Econ Games and the Econ with Dr. A brand. They discuss Antowan's role as a judge at the Econ Games and his work as a system analyst at Dollar Tree. They also discuss Antowan's passion for supporting organizations like the Sadie Collective and the PhD Project. Antowan shares his experience with writing and his news...

Summary Bola Olaniyan, Executive Director of the Sadie Collective, discusses the organization's mission to increase the representation of Black women in economics, policy, data science, and finance. She shares the portfolio of Sadie Collective’s programs, including the annual conference, career pathways programs with the Chicago Federal Reserve and JPMorgan Chase, and high school outreach init...

In this conversation, Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani interviews Samantha Eyler-Driscoll, the founder of Standard Error Research Editors. They discuss Samantha's path to economics, the challenges of being an entrepreneur, and the importance of inclusion in economics. Samantha shares insights into the value of editors and the services offered by her company. They also explore ways to improve diversity...

In this enlightening episode, Dr. A sits down with Dr. Claudia Sahm to discuss the state of the U.S. economy, the impact of the pandemic, and the importance of long-term investments. Claudia shares her economic journey, passion for making a difference through policy, and advice for the next generation of economists. The conversation also touches on the challenges of creating a more inclusive and d...

In this special Women's History Month episode of "Economics with Dr. A," hosted by Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani, we dig into the remarkable legacy of Sadie Alexander, the first Black woman to earn a PhD in economics. Featuring insights from Princess Nworah's recent experience at the Sadie Collective conference, we explore the profound impact Sadie Alexander and the Collective have had...