Economics for the Public Good
Front Left: Yesui Nyamchuluun, Salma Abdi, Ivo da Conceicao Tilman Ribeiro, Gavin Johnson, Afifah Binti Wan Zainal Abbidin
A Studious Spring Break
For the third year in a row, the Department of Economics partnered with the Humphrey School of Public Affairs to offer a Washington DC Career trip to ten lucky undergraduates. Each year, the department funds a group of Economics students interested in public policy to attend a series of panel discussions, networking events, and informal interviews to get a sense of what their degree can do in the public sector.
This trip is an excellent opportunity for students to network with government officials and policymakers, explore a variety of career paths in public policy and international affairs, connect with graduate students, and scope out Washington, DC as a city to start their careers. In addition to being a unique and impactful experience, the Department of Economics has worked to make it accessible to all of our students through a $2500 award to cover all the costs of travel, updated IDs, or new suits for the visit.
Of the twelve site visits on our week-long agenda, our undergraduates rated visits to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and Deloitte the highest. None of our site visits would be possible without the numerous Minnesota alums who donated their time speaking to our students.
Inspiring careers in government, public service and consulting
When asked about their experiences on the trip, students were drawn to the sense of social responsibility among many government workers, reflecting their own desire to contribute to positive change.
“What struck me most during our visit were the speakers. Their passion for their work was palpable and infectious. It was inspiring to see individuals so deeply committed to making a positive impact on a global scale,” said junior Salma Abdi. “Overall, the visit to the World Bank left me inspired and hopeful about the future. It reinforced my belief in the power of multilateral collaboration and the importance of addressing global challenges through collective action.”
Ivo da Conceicao Tilman Ribeiro, a junior, was also drawn to the World Bank, along with the International Republican Institute, “primarily due to their focus on social research, which aligns with my interests,” he said. “Discovering the breadth of their work, alongside the fact that both have branch offices in my home country of Timor-Leste, I envision the potential benefits not only for my professional growth but also for contributing positively to societal development through my own work.”
Other students were surprised to hear the number of contract workers in DC, and were inspired to consider temporary positions within government following graduation. “Learning at the State Department that there are so many other avenues of doing the same work, such as becoming a contractor, was a game changer for me,” said senior Gavin Johnson. Gavin said the trip “absolutely” made him consider a career in public policy.
Network now, get rewarded later
When asked what he learned about himself and his career on the trip, Ivo said he learned that cultivating connections is as important as work experience. “Building relationships early in one's career trajectory proves invaluable over time,” he said. “These connections serve as a gateway to various opportunities, bolstering social capital and, consequently, improving prospects for securing professional roles.”
For Salma, visiting DC was an “eye-opening experience.” She was surprised by the diversity and transplant community that existed there. “Everywhere I looked, there were people from all walks of life, representing various cultures and backgrounds. It made me feel like I could truly belong there, knowing that I wouldn't be alone as a newcomer.”
Our students acclimated expertly to the culture of Washington DC, growing in their confidence, networking skills, and understanding of their own potential. “There’s a real sense of community among the residents,” said Salma. “There was this shared experience of discovery and adaptation that seemed to unite everyone. It was refreshing to see how people from different places and backgrounds came together, forming connections and friendships that transcend geographic boundaries.”
A Partnership between Economics and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs
The Washington DC Career Exploration trip was brought to the economics department by Advisor Annie Bigley. Having worked at the Humphrey School prior to starting in the Department of Economics, she had been on the DC trip many times with the graduate students, and saw how powerful it would be for our undergraduates to have the opportunity to participate.
For Annie, planning and accompanying students on this trip is one of the best parts of her job: “I am always so impressed with the students' professionalism and engagement at all of our site visits and professional panels. Hearing about the connections they build, the career pathways they learn about, and how it all impacts their future planning is one of the highlights of the academic year for me. Helping our students discover meaningful, impactful, and financially sound careers is always a joy for me.”
We are very grateful to our partners at the Humphrey School for continuing to invite us to participate each spring.
Applications for the 2025 DC Trip will open fall 2024.
