We checked in with Salvatore Ingenito, Stage 2 student BSc Economics with Data Science and President of the Economics Society at Kent and asked him some very pressing questions.
‘This first term of the year, the Economics Society has been busy with several exciting events. We kicked off in September, with a quiz night to introduce the new students to the rest of the School. Attendance was high and students seemed to be very keen to participate. We are now planning to organise a bigger quiz night with the collaboration of another academic society.
Following the fiscal statement issued in September by the former Chancellor and Prime Minister, the UK economy suffered a quite heavy market instability. In response to that, the Economics Society, along with Dr Alfred Duncan, held a 1-day conference about this matter aiming to explain in simple terms the unusual behaviour of markets and the consequent LDI crisis. The Economics Society also organised an event about the hawkish policies of the Federal Reserve, the US Central Bank, as a response to the current inflationary pressures, followed by a quiz with prizes. We are currently planning more exciting events for the incoming term starting with a tour of the Palace of Westminster in London on January 17th and a Casino Night in February.
The Economics Society also organised an event about the hawkish policies of the Federal Reserve, the US Central Bank, as a response to the current inflationary pressures, followed by a quiz with prizes. We are currently planning more exciting events for the incoming term starting with a tour of the Palace of Westminster in London on January 17th and a Casino Night in February.In March, following the tradition, we will be hosting the Economic Summit, and in June we are hoping to organise a black-tie dinner on campus with the participation of the staff and former alumni.’
What the best thing about fully returning to campus this Term? My favourite thing about fully returning to campus is that I can finally meet and see my colleagues and lecturers without having to be constrained behind a cold screen. In fact, I can now enjoy a good pint at K-Bar with my friends or a warm ‘cuppa’ whilst talking about the latest news with my lecturers during consultation hours. Human interactions are something I missed indeed during the past two years.
What’s your favourite place on the Canterbury campus? My favourite place on campus couldn’t be anywhere else than Kennedy Building. It is the place where Economics is taught and where the majority of the Economics Society events are held. It is also the place I go to whenever I have any doubt about any topic of my studies.
What’s the best thing about living in Canterbury? I enjoy living in Canterbury. The fact that many civilisations came here throughout the centuries makes it a rather unique and fascinating place in Great Britain. I also feel a strong emotional attachment since Canterbury is where I am discovering the adult version of myself and creating my own daily stories. It is also the place where I have my people, who I enjoy spending quality time with.
What’s the most surprising thing you discovered in Stage 2 about Economics? The most surprising thing I discovered about Economics in stage two is how changes in policies shape the business cycle and how these impact the position of a country’s economy in the global landscape. However, I have to mention that another surprising fact I’ve discovered is how important Econometrics is when conducting an economic analysis.
What’s the most relevant economic question right now and why? I believe the most relevant economic question right now is: can central banks control such a heavy inflationary pressure without damaging the economy? If they can’t, is it time to finally change the inflation target?
What’s the best student society at Kent and why? The best student society? The Economics Society of course! Despite we weren’t that present last term, we are coming back stronger and more motivated than ever.
Finally something for the festive season: Mince pies or Christmas Pudding? Mince pies, pigs-in-blankets and mulled wine, of course! What’s a better combination?
Salvatore Ingenito is studying for a BSc (Hons) in Economics with Data Science.
Find out more about Kent Economics Society here or follow them on Instagram to find out about all their weekly meetings.