What was your first position after graduating?
I was an analyst at Compass Lexecon, one of the world’s leading economic consulting firms. Compass Lexecon provides analysis on a broad spectrum of matters to law firms, corporations and government clients. As an analyst, my duties were varied and included quantitative and qualitative analyses, gathering and organizing data, analyzing data through either excel or a statistical program (SAS or STATA), providing industry research, and reviewing analyst reports and business documents.
How did you become interested in economics?
Introduction to Economics was the first class I took in economics as an undergrad. This class was one of the most interesting classes I had taken. I was captivated by the subject, so I decided to take a few more classes, and after another semester I decided to switch my major to economics.
What was one aspect of DePaul that helped you find your career interest or has been important to your career?
The fundamentals I learned in Research Methods I and II were instrumental in helping me excel in my career. The data analysis and programing skills in STATA allowed me to catch on quickly at Compass Lexecon. Additionally, the background in programing at DePaul helped me learn other statistical languages quickly. Without these two courses, I don’t believe I would be exceling as an analyst at Compass Lexecon.
Why did you choose DePaul University and the MS in Economics and Policy Analysis?
I wanted to find a program that put an emphasis on the application of economics in the real world, but I didn’t know what types of careers were available. This program caught my attention because its focus is to apply economics to policy issues.
What was your favorite course in economics?
Economics of the Public Sector. This course combines all of the objectives of the MS in Economics and Policy Analysis program. Throughout this class you combine microeconomic concepts with theoretical models to look at real-world applications. The culmination of this course was to write an empirical research paper. I think this is an extremely important and valuable aspect of this class and the program as a whole.
What advice would you give to current students about careers in economics?
There are many more ways to apply economic analysis to your career than you think. Figure out what aspect of economics you enjoy and most likely there will be a job that combines that passion with economic analysis. As students, we sometimes get caught up in just finding a job, but it’s important to take the time to find a job that excites you.