Student Groups & Activities
The Department of Economics has several great opportunities to get involved and develop professional skills.
The Economics Student Organization (ESO) is a student group designed to bridge the gap between employers and students. ESO members benefit from numerous networking opportunities through weekly meetings featuring local, national, and global companies and organizations. In addition, ESO hosts social events for students to get to know each other and opportunities to engage with alumni. This year, ESO will also organize teams for national economics competitions!
Subscribe to the ESO newsletter or follow them on Instagram, @umneso to stay updated. If you have any questions, reach out to the ESO executive board at [email protected].
The Economics Undergraduate Student Board (EUSB) is composed of undergraduate student members and works to connect students, their experiences and voices, to each other and department leadership with a focus on making changes necessary to support learning and engagement in a more inclusive and diverse climate.
Apply to be a member of the EUSB
There are 10 seats on the board and applications will be reviewed during the spring semester. Active members must be declared economics students (majors only) when applying to and being accepted to the EUSB and must remain declared economics students for the entirety of their active membership.
Learn more about the board, our members, and our upcoming events. Want to connect with the board? Email us at [email protected]
The Department of Economics, in partnership with Heller-Hurwicz Economics Institute, sends four students to the monthly Economic Club of Minnesota speaker series. This gives Economics students an opportunity to learn about real-world issues and network with leaders in the field. Learn more about the Economic Club of Minnesota.
The Department of Economics and Heller-Hurwicz Economics Institute values the importance of undergraduate research at the University of Minnesota. The Heller-Hurwicz Economics Institute for Undergraduate Research Program offers the opportunity for undergraduate economics majors to work with world-renowned faculty and graduate students in the field of economics. Past undergraduate research students have assisted faculty members with topics related to healthcare, public pension policy, retirement financing, minimum wage, and many more.
The Department of Economics offers two annual career exploration treks. The New York City trip, over winter break, is sponsored by the distinguished alumni, Matt Mazzucchi and explores careers in Finance, Investment Banking, and Consulting. The Washington DC trip is a partnership with the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and focuses on careers in policy and government.
Students learn about a variety of organizations and careers, build connections with alumni and other professionals, and get a feel for what it would be like to live and work in New York City and Washington DC. Students come away with stronger networking skills and a sense of whether they want to intern or work in these metropolitan areas.
Throughout the time, students meet with alumni and employers working in private organizations, the federal government, nonprofit, and think tanks through site visits, interactive sessions, and panels. The trips also include the opportunity to set up informational interviews with alumni across the area.
There is an application and selection process for the Economics career exploration treks. Students who apply by the priority deadline can be considered for funding to assist with the costs of attending. In addition, there is a 1-credit preparatory course connected to the trips that students are required to complete.
The Department of Economics in partnership with the Heller-Hurwicz Economics Institute offers a workshop series about women in economics. The program is open to all majors in economics.
Throughout the series, students will explore challenges faced by women, develop leadership skills, and build a stronger community of people studying in Economics and related fields. The academic year-long program includes five workshops, independent and group work, as well as regular meetings with an alumni mentor.
Applications for participation are accepted in September of each year. For any questions, email Economics Advising at [email protected]