Congratulations Class of 2022!
Xiang Liu graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a dual degree in Economics and Mathematics, with a minor in Statistics. During the past years, he worked as an undergraduate research assistant at Heller-Hurwicz Economics Institute, the Minnesota Population Center, and the Roy Wilkins Center at Humphrey School covering topics in economics and relevant fields. Following graduation, he will be joining the Economics PhD program at the University of Minnesota.
His advice for fellow econ undergraduates: “Follow your interests and discover yourself. Be willing to learn and don’t hide from mistakes.”
Katelyn Byczek graduated with a BA in Economics and minors in Leadership and Management. During her three years at the U she tried to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. In fact, she was on the board for all three of our economic student groups: the Economic Student Organization, Economics Mentorship Program, and Economics Undergraduate Student Board. She also worked as a CLA Student Ambassador, participated in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, held an internship position off campus, and worked on campus. This summer, she will join consulting firm Accenture as an Analyst in their Minneapolis office.
Katelyn's advice for future students: "If I had to give some advice to economics students, I would say join some clubs! There's plenty of people to get to know both on a personal level and to build your professional network. Also, don't forget to take classes that you're actually interested in."
Ross Abram earned dual degrees: BS in Economics, BA in Spanish & Portuguese Studies. He was a two-time recipient of the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship in Portuguese. While competing on the University Forensics Team, he was the 2021 Minnesota Collegiate Forensics Association state champion in both Parliamentary Debate and Extemporaneous Speaking.
Through HHEI, Ross was involved in empirical health economics research with Professor Mariacristina De Nardi. He wrote his honors thesis about accounting for racial and ethnic inequities in health measurements. After graduation, Ross is moving to New York City to work in corporate banking at Wells Fargo.
"The advice I'd give to fellow economics students is to get experience with statistical programming as early as possible," says Ross. "The skills will serve you whether or not you pursue graduate school."
Ruixi Yu graduated with a BS in Economics and BA in Mathematics. As a student, she worked as an undergrad RA through HHEI, completed the Women in Economics program, and served on the Econ Undergrad Student Board. Her advice to fellow students: "Be brave! Challenge yourself to become a better you."
In the fall, Ruixi will attend Duke University, pursuing a Master of Economics.
Benjamin Krueger, BS Economics and Mathematics, worked with Professor Mariacristina De Nardi as a research assistant. After graduation, he will continue that work as a pre-doctoral research assistant on De Nardi's team.
