Student Groups & Activities

The Economics Student Organization (ESO) is a student group committed to bridging the gap between employers and students. ESO members benefit from numerous networking opportunities through weekly meetings featuring local, national, and global companies. In addition, they offer social events to get to know other students pursuing economics and opportunities to engage with alumni.

Subscribe to the ESO newsletter. If you have any questions, want to know more about ESO or get involved, reach out to them at eso@umn.edu.

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 eusb@umn.edu

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 partners with the Humphrey School of Public Affairs to host an annual career exploration trip to Washington, DC during spring break.

Participating students learn about a variety of DC organizations and careers, build professional connections with alumni and other professionals, and get a feel for what it would be like to live and work in Washington DC. Students can come away with more than 50 connections with alumni and professionals in the district, have a sense of whether they want to intern or work in DC, and know what steps to take to be successful.

Throughout the week, students meet with alumni and employers working in the federal government, nonprofit and private organizations, and think tank organizations through site visits, interactive sessions, and panels. The trip also includes the opportunity to set up informational interviews with alumni across the district. 

There is no registration fee for the trip. Students are responsible for airfare, hotel, and transportation. Students who apply by the priority deadline, December 15, can be considered for funding to assist with the costs of attending.

The Department of Economics in partnership with the Heller-Hurwicz Economics Institute offers a workshop series for women in economics. This annual program is designed to develop a diverse pipeline of future women leaders in the field. 

Throughout the series, students will explore challenges faced by women, develop skills to overcome potential barriers, and build a stronger community of women studying and working 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 econadv@umn.edu