Economics Project Economists on Trend Roberto Coronado
Short Summary:
This video features an interview with Roberto Coronado, Senior Vice President and Senior Economist at the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank, El Paso branch. He discusses his career path, the importance of education, and the evolving nature of work. Key points include his background growing up in Juarez and studying at UTEP and the University of Houston, the challenges he faced with language and the rigorous quantitative demands of his PhD program, and how his economics background has enabled him to adapt and reinvent himself throughout his career. He emphasizes the value of a college education in preparing for a rapidly changing job market and the need for continuous self-reinvention.
Detailed Summary:
Introduction (0:00-0:30): Cynthia introduces Roberto Coronado and his role at the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank.
Coronado's Background and Education (0:30-3:00): Coronado shares his personal journey, starting with his upbringing in Juarez and his decision to pursue higher education at UTEP and later a PhD in economics at the University of Houston. He highlights his 19-year career at the Dallas Fed, starting as an intern and progressing to his current leadership roles. He also mentions his experience as classmates with the interviewer in economics courses at UTEP.
Challenges in Education (3:00-5:00): Coronado discusses the challenges he faced during his academic pursuits. He identifies language as a significant barrier during his undergraduate studies at UTEP, where he needed to use a dictionary to understand assignments. He also notes the intense quantitative demands of his PhD program at the University of Houston, despite his prior preparation in mathematics and statistics. He confirms that these quantitative skills are still very relevant in his current work, even outside of direct economic research. He explains how the analytical thinking skills developed in economics are valuable in various aspects of his work and life. "I can argue a problem in six different directions...that's how we are trained."
Choosing Economics (5:00-6:30): Coronado explains his early interest in economics, stemming from his childhood observations of the economic differences between El Paso and Juarez. He recalls asking his parents about these disparities and realizing that economics could provide answers. This early curiosity led him to pursue a career in the field, focusing on border and US-Mexico economic issues.
Advice to Students (6:30-8:30): Coronado offers advice to students, emphasizing the importance of investing in education and skill development. He acknowledges the diverse commitments of students and encourages them to persevere in their educational pursuits. He stresses the value of a college education in adapting to a changing job market and highlights the need for continuous self-reinvention. "Life can change in a blink of an eye...having a college degree will allow you to just keep reinventing yourself."
Conclusion (8:30-9:00): Cynthia thanks Coronado for his insights and concludes the interview.