The Armchair Economist’s Apprenticeship is a weekly series documenting my progress throughout my journey in the apprenticeship module of the Praxis program. I’m currently a market research analyst apprentice for Economics for Business (E4B). My position is subject to change depending on the needs of my employer. At the request of my boss, I’ll still keep mostly quiet about the details of my employer for the time being.
Week 23: October 5, 2020 – October 9, 2020
What I’m Learning:
One cool thing I learned at work last week:
Last week I was invited to help run the bookstore transactions at the Mises Supporters’ Summit and learned that we took Bitcoin as payment.
Here’s another really cool fact that all you Austrian economics nerds might find interesting; Murray Rothbard had a fear of flying, so much so that he, along with his wife for support, enrolled in exposure therapy to get over his aviophobia. From what I heard from Sandra Klein, Dr. Peter Klein’s wife, who relayed me this story, back in the 60s one could enroll in these classes that gradually exposed you to flying in a plane.
First, the therapist would have you pack up as if you’re traveling, then head down to the airport and wander around but not actually board a plane. Once you felt comfortable with step one, you were then instructed to board a plane this time and sit for a number of minutes or hours without actually taking off. Eventually you work your courage up to a real flight.
One cool thing I learned outside of work last week:
I have another exciting update to share with you; I have three more weeks left into my Praxis apprenticeship which means I’m about to graduate from the program and receive the coveted graduation hoodie (instead of a cap and gown).
This means I will need to figure out what my next steps are and if my employer, Jeff Deist, will keep me on or if he has other plans for me.
What I’m Creating:
One example of how I created value at work last week:
I made some meaningful connections with the donors at the Supporters’ Summit last week and made them feel welcomed.
There was one donor, a sweet elderly lady, who really wanted to purchase a book but unfortunately the cash register was closed for the day and I didn’t have the login info. I didn’t want to turn her away since it would be rude but thankfully she had cash on her and paid that way. Even if she didn’t have cash I would’ve let her take the book and have her pay later.
Donors always come first, inventory can take a loss of one book.
What project I’m currently working on at my BP:
The marketing plan is coming along great and we’re almost ready to create a pitch for our boss to review. I’m also still looking for contributors to help E4B add content to our platform. We’re also looking for beta testers.
What I’m doing to become a better version of myself overall:
Work hard, play hard. I always give myself the weekends to relax and reward myself with a trip somewhere in my city which will help prevent burnout.