a mentor help us get the most out of our studies.
I admit, I wasn’t particularly confident before starting this course. I felt my skills weren’t at the level required to succeed.
Alice:
I felt the same way, but with help from Mr. Jarvis, I’m growing in self-confidence and ability every day.
I’m grateful he spends one-on-one time with the students.
Tim:
Yeah, I’ve improved a lot. I would like him to give us more insight into other subjects, though.
He gives quite a narrow view of economics, and I’d also like some advice on how to prepare for our seminars. I’m never sure what to expect.
Alice:
I’m focusing on passing my exams at the moment. Mr. Jarvis has been coaching me — he noticed I was worried and offered to help.
Tim:
I’m grateful for his help, too. I’ll think about what to study next year once I’ve passed. I’m still unsure what I want to do with my life. I can’t see myself pursuing a career in economics.
Alice:
You have many skills that could be useful in different fields. You’ve talked with the tutor about it, haven’t you?
Tim:
Not regarding my career. I did discuss some course options for next semester, and he had great advice.
He suggested I continue studying in this field for now. I wonder if he might help me with the experiments I need to conduct — I should ask him.
Alice:
Great idea. So, how do you feel about the essays we’ve been asked to write?
Tim:
I thought they’d be more difficult than they are, but I’ve been able to manage.
There are just so many assignments — if they were any harder, I don’t think I could cope.
Alice:
I feel the same. I was talking with John yesterday — he thinks the assignments are too basic and should be more challenging.
Tim:
I’m happy for him, but I still find the subject challenging.
Alice:
Why do you say that? Your math skills are very strong. I heard you aced all your high school exams.
Tim:
At first the subject didn’t interest me. I had no prior experience in economics, so it’s all new to me.
Alice:
Well, you seem to be succeeding despite your initial doubts.
My one concern is that we don’t have enough opportunity to put theory into practice.
We learn many formulas and strategies, but with no practical application, it can feel like a waste of time.
Tim:
I don’t agree. I think the project we worked on last month was very practical.
It gave us a chance to test our skills and figure out where we need improvement.
Alice:
I will say that the course is giving us many chances to expand our networks, which will be helpful once we’re looking for jobs.
Tim:
Yes, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many successful economists and businesspeople, and hear how they rose to their positions through hard work. That’s been really valuable.
Alice:
Do you think we’ve had enough opportunities to experience what it’s like to work in a large organization?
Tim:
At first, I thought not. But now I’m not so sure. We’ve had work placements and visited some of the top financial institutions in the country.
That’s plenty of exposure, in my opinion.
Alice:
I feel that the course doesn’t put enough emphasis on communication skills.
Communication is vital in the workplace, especially in roles where one mistake can have major consequences.
Tim:
I think we’ve been taught the necessary communication skills.
Our lecture yesterday covered that topic thoroughly.
Alice:
You mentioned you may not continue with economics. Is that because you feel we haven’t seen the career potential in the field?
Tim:
No, actually. Our classes with Ms. Hathaway have been really helpful in showing us what’s possible.
It seems like the teachers genuinely want us to continue, and they’re doing a lot to help us identify which specific career we could pursue.
Alice:
I agree. They’ve made our options very clear — and I’m thankful for that.
