Supplying the demand for opportunities

The leap from class to career can be a tricky one. Luckily, the   Department of Economics in the College of Arts and Sciences has resources to help students gain meaningful experiences and make that leap. 

The department provides many experiential learning opportunities, like working for local nonprofits and government agencies to solve real-world problems. 

“Our department is really focused on facilitating those types of opportunities,” Professor and Undergraduate Director of Economics Julia Paxton said. “Not only do we help students find opportunities, but we actually help fund them as well.”

Students can take advantage of the  College of Arts and Sciences Experiential Learning Fund , which is designed to help students who might otherwise be inhibited by cost gain meaningful experiences.

Economics  Professor Patrica Toledo-Torres and other department faculty members frequently post internships and other opportunities for students in the program. Two of those students share their experiences below. 

Chloe Christen is a second-year economics and political science double major . Christen's group did their project on how strong social ties within a community might influence children's creativity and problem-solving regarding their daily commute to school. Christen's group traveled to Washington, D.C. and presented their findings to economists from the  Federal Reserve . 

“I don’t think I would be doing as well as I am in my major if it weren’t for the econ family,” Christen said. “They truly try to push you as much as they can; there is no excuse not to get involved in things.”

Christen expects to graduate in spring of 2027 and pursue her own research, focusing on food and nutrition in economics.

Caden Hibbs (B.S. '24) is a recent OHIO alumnus who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a minor in marketing; Hibbs was a part of the  OHIO Honors Program . Hibbs did an internship with the Ohio Office of Budget Management in the summer of 2023 working in the fiscal research wing. Hibbs assisted with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, which came from the COVID-19 pandemic. He helped determine how funds were allocated to different agencies across Ohio to ensure the office had appropriate statistical metrics.

“That was a very cool experience,” Hibbs said. “It was an excellent way for me to get my foot in the door in terms of a professional environment where I could work toward my future career.”

In September, Hibbs presented research at the Ohio Association of Economists and Political Scientists conference at Denison University. After Hibbs submitted prior and current research, he was  selected as a presenter. Hibbs received assistance from the Experiential Learning Fund, which helped with his travel expenses. 

“I knew there was no way I would have been able to get there otherwise...” Hibbs said. “Having that support encourages students to take those opportunities when they come about.”

Hibbs received the award for Best Undergraduate Paper in Economics at the conference. He’s currently considering graduate school, researching economics-related masters programs. He also plans to pursue a Ph.D. and said his ideal career would involve a collaborative research environment focused on various economic topics.

Other economics student experiences include  the Appalachian Regional Commission ,  US Environmental Protection Agency ,  Hocking County Auditor’s Office and  Principle Business Enterprises .

Program graduates are involved in a series that connects current students with alumni for career advice and potential opportunities. For more information on economics-related experiential learning opportunities visit the department’s website or visit Bentley Annex 360.