Even in these difficult economic times, there appears to be a glimmer of hope, those in the business world say.
In a College of Liberal Arts forum Thursday, current faculty and alumni came together to present a view of the economic crisis from those living in it.
The alumni included Mike Mitrovic, a former 23-year AIG employee who provided a firsthand account of the trouble at the controversial insurance company. Mitrovic, Class of 1973, said he knew the insurance giant was headed for trouble and left two years ago.
But the forum's main goal was to educate students about the causes behind the collapse. Cathy McKeon, Class of 1971, expressed her disappointment with the portrayal of the crisis by those outside the financial sector.
"I am shocked at the lack of understanding of how markets actually work by the government and media," she said.
Through her speech, she said she hoped to give students a real-world perspective outside the realm of academia.
She found a willing audience. Emily Trump (freshman-political science and economics) said she came in hopes of gaining a better understanding of the economy because most of her knowledge was based on information from the media.
"It was interesting to hear it from a business perspective," she said. "It is very different from the media perspective."
Some students seemed surprised by the optimism the speakers showed.
Joanna Shields, AOL executive vice president and president of AOL People Networks, said sectors such as technology are not feeling the downturn as strongly -- and that's good news for graduates.
"You guys, if anybody, can figure out something -- you guys grew up on technology," Shields, Class of 1983, said.
Students have to make themselves indispensable to employers, panel members said. Much of the challenge in finding a job is in building relationships, Mitrovic said.
While the panel acknowledged this crisis differs from those in the past, speakers said it was nothing that could not be overcome. Innovation lies with the current generation, Shields said.
"Think bigger than you are -- go beyond that scope," she said. "Do it now in your dorm room."
