Greetings from the Department of Economics Career Development Office (ECDO)! We work with undergraduate economics students to explore their career options, find opportunities to gain experience, and prepare for their internship and job search.
Our students have the skills that employers seek - strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills, as well as leadership abilities and a strong work ethic. Many combine their liberal arts coursework with relevant technical courses in finance, engineering, accounting or similar majors to better enhance their knowledge and skills.
With over 900 declared economics majors annually, you can promote your company to one of the largest departments at UW-Madison. There are a number of ways to do this:
- Promote job and internship openings on the Economics Matters blog
- Host an employer information session
- Host a workshop such as Resume Review, Networking 101 or How to Stand Out at a Career Fair
- Participate in mock interviews
- Collaborate with the Economics Student Association on events or meet with the group during their networking trips to Chicago and Minneapolis
As you plan recruiting events and determine hiring needs for the upcoming year we hope you will consider working with the Economics Career Development Office. If you would like to plan an event with our office or have additional questions feel free to contact Jennifer Buelow, Career and Outreach Coordinator, at jabuelow@wisc.edu or 608.265.2888.
The department looks forward to forming a partnership that will serve both your business and our students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our students seek various positions in the following fields:
Economics/Research
Economic Development
Law
Education
International Trade
Public Policy
Marketing
Real Estate & Urban Planning
Government
Where do your students go for internships or jobs?
Our students hold positions across the United States as well as internationally. The Midwest and East Coast are the most popular locations with most of our students in Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York and Washington DC. We have many students capable of fulfilling positions both in China and Korea, with native language skills.
Do you offer internship credit through your department?
Yes, students may earn one credit for their internship. Two letters from the internship supervisor are required:
- One letter at the beginning of the term confirming the internship and indicating number of hours (must be at least 100 hours) and the duties that will be required.
- Letter at the end of the semester (no later than the last day of scheduled classes) evaluating the intern’s performance and outlining the duties actually performed.
Are you part of the Wisconsin School of Business?
No, we are a major within the College of Letters & Science. Many of our students complete an economics major rather than a business major to pursue careers in finance, marketing, real estate, etc. They then complete the appropriate business school courses to enhance their liberal arts education and prepare them for the industry.
Do economics students have access to BuckyNet, the online recruiting system?
Yes, BuckyNet is used by all students at the university. For economics students to be eligible for your positions you must choose “Economics Majors” or “All Majors” in the Majors dropdown of the Screening Criteria section of BuckyNet. If neither of these are selected, economics majors will not be able to apply.
Are there student groups associated with your department?
Yes, the Economics Student Association (ESA) is a registered student organization and is open to any student interested in economics. ESA holds alumni and recruiter events throughout the semester and features employers for their Kick Off meeting each semester. The ESA also takes networking trips to Chicago and Minneapolis and is always looking for companies to visit. If you would like to work with the Economics Student Association please contact me.
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Last updated: January 24, 2013