ADAM
international business economics '22 (outstanding grad)

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WHY WEBER STATE?

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I took voice lessons at Weber State in between semesters at an out-of-state school. What started out as summer lessons turned into a transfer to Weber State. Two years later, I changed my major from Vocal Performance to International Business Economics. Not only did I receive more financial aid and professor attention here, the Weber State culture of acceptance and authenticity helped me feel welcome. 

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WHY ECONOMICS?

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After studying music for two years, I decided to major in a business discipline. For me, economics was a practical and logical choice. It incorporates technical skills like data analysis, math, and coding with communication skills like writing, charting, and verbal presentation. It combined my love for numbers with my craving for big ideas - the kind that explain the world and how people live in it. Economics can be as theoretical and abstract, or concrete and definite as I please.

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INCREDIBLE ACCESS

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In my Goddard School classes - especially economics - I felt professors cared about my life and wanted me to succeed. Time and time again, professors went above and beyond to help me understand the material. Professors are not only teaching an academic discipline, they are also intentionally preparing you for a successful career. The Goddard School also has outstanding clubs, career counselors, and academic counselors. 

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FACULTY IMPACT

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Dr. Koford repeatedly encouraged me to do hard things. He took a chance on me by accepting me into the Economics Honors Program; he taught me Microeconomics and Econometrics; he mentored me through a large research project; and he taught me how to prepare for graduate school through emails and meetings alike. My education is better for Dr. Koford being part of it. 

Dr. Rangaraju taught me almost all the calculus I know, from lower-level Business Calculus to mid-level Macroeconomic Theory to higher-level Mathematical Economics, all of which he taught with enthusiasm. He encouraged me to attend graduate school before I saw that potential in myself. He walked me through hard concepts after class and during office hours, making sure I gained the competencies I needed to succeed. He also taught me how to prepare for grad school, emphasizing the importance of calculus, matrices and linear algebra in economics graduate programs. 

Dr. Geide-Stevenson taught me International Finance and Economics Research Methods. She mentored me closely through my capstone research project, offering detailed feedback and helpful direction without which my paper would be of lower quality. She possesses economic knowledge that spans every branch of which I can think, from international to labor to applied micro. I cannot think of a better advisor for the research capstone class.

Dr. Steagall went above and beyond to allow me to take International Trade, a class that I could not attend in person because of my work schedule. He allowed me to take the course online, which permitted me to graduate on time with my International Business Economics degree. His mastery of international trade and economics is evident as he breaks down complex concepts so that anyone can understand. I truly appreciate the way he went above and beyond to help me take the class where other professors may not have. 

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ADVICE

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Weber State's Goddard School is without a doubt the most economical state school in northern Utah. It is also the closest and most practical choice for many students living in and around Weber and Davis counties. Even for students not from these areas, it is worth going to Weber because of the small class sizes and attentive professors. I can hardly imagine a better educational experience than I have had here. 

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WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER ASPIRATIONS?

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I live and work in the Wasatch Front. After graduating, I will work as a data analyst for several years before attending graduate school in economics. Through hard work and support of my mentors and professors, I will earn a master's or Ph.D. in economics, after which I plan to be an economist for the State of Utah, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or Federal Reserve. I aspire to help solve problems such as wage differences, national debt, climate change, and international diplomacy, even if I can only do a little. My research interests include international trade, international finance, labor economics, behavioral economics, environmental economics, productivity theory, and econometrics. 

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