Student Spotlights

Matthew Chaffin

Business Data Analytics Major, Class of 2024

Strategy Research and Data Analyst, Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP)

While pursuing my degree in Business Data Analytics at UA, my professors taught me how to analyze data and issues from the real world. The in-depth projects about critical economic issues set me up to attain an internship with Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP). My education at UA gave me an edge over the other interns as I continued my internship until graduation while completing numerous projects for various GCP teams. My degree has given me the incredible opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of the Greater Cleveland region.

Karleighana Jones

Business Data Analytics Major, Class of 2024

UA Women’s Volleyball Team, 2020-2024

Watch Karleighana reflect on her UA experience

The analytical, management, and soft skills I have mastered as a student-athlete at UA majoring in Business Data Analytics have positioned me to strategically help facilitate the development and growth of companies in various industries. The valuable knowledge, strategies, and practical hands-on experiences gained at UA are professional assets that will benefit me during my business career. I especially value my relationships with my volleyball community, classmates, professors, UA and CoB staff, community members, and friends. These are personal treasures that I will continue to foster throughout my life.

Logen Barrett

Business Data Analytics Major, Class of 2024

Pricing Analyst I, Progressive Corporation

Pursuing a degree in Business Data Analytics at UA has been life-changing. It has provided me with numerous opportunities to be successful after graduation. I interned with Equity Trust Company where the knowledge I learned in the classroom came to life, and I am graduating with a job offer at Progressive Corporation. As I continue my career, I will be forever grateful for the faculty of the economics department and all the opportunities the College of Business has given me!

Isabella DiFeo

Accounting and Economics Double Major, Class of 2022

Ph.D. candidate, Department of Economics, University of Oregon

Watch Isabella reflect on her UA experience

Pursuing my economics degree at UA has prepared and motivated me to continue my education in a doctoral program in economics. My professors and classes have shown me that economics is not simply a major or minor, it is a way of training your mind to think in a way that impacts everything you do as you maneuver through life and the world. I've been inspired to use the analytical and quantitative skills that I learned as an economics major to conduct research that I hope will one day have positive policy implications in our economy.

Khaliunaa Baasankhuu

Economics and PPE Double Major, Class of 2022

Recipient, Top 10 Senior Award. Presented annually by The University of Akron to 10 seniors with high scholastic achievement who show quality, depth, and breadth of involvement in a variety of campus, athletic, and/or community activities

Double majoring in PPE and Economics has helped me grow into an individual who can logically reason matters from different perspectives and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Studying Economics at a deeper level has built my confidence in handling big data and interpreting it in a meaningful way. This is a valuable skill in today's world that has opened me to a wide range of career opportunities. I am looking forward to using my skills and knowledge in the real world and to be a proud alumni of the CoB!

Nicholas Chura

Economics Major, Class of 2019

Procurement Specialist – Polymers at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Learning data analytics through SAS as an economics major has been incredibly useful in my career. I apply the thought processes and techniques to solve a wide variety of problems and create value every day.

Rachel Steer

PPE Major, Class of 2019

Fellow, U.S. Department of Energy

Student Speaker, UA Commencement Ceremony, Spring 2019

PPE Graduate Ready to Play Key Role on Global Stage

Working in international affairs requires a strong theoretical understanding of human and state behavior. My PPE major and economics coursework served as the perfect bridge between these two concepts. My understanding of economic theory allowed me to rationalize state and non-state actors' behavior, an invaluable skill in my graduate program at the London School of Economics.

Nicholas Lavy

Economics and Psychology Double Major, Class of 2021

Student Speaker, UA Commencement Ceremony, Fall 2021

My pursuit of a B.A. in Economics afforded me a plethora of opportunities while a student, from interning for a U.S. Senator and working alongside national policy makers to curating a gallery for a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum. Post-graduation, my degree in economics proves to be invaluable. The logical and analytic thought processes that take shape whilst studying economics have absolutely made preparing for law school much easier. As I continue my education, I am extraordinarily grateful for my intellectual foundation in economics.

Sam Myers

Economics Major, Class of 2016

Director of Analytics, Area Wide Protective

Named “30 for the Future” by the Greater Akron Chamber in 2020

Working with big data is all about being an analytical storyteller, and the Economics department at UA preps its students to not only be able to think critically with the data, but to tell its story in a way that all audiences can understand.

Elvira Ochatiouk

Economics Major, Class of 2020

Risk Management Analyst, Citibank

Studying Economics at UA did not simply teach me supply and demand, it taught me about our world, culture, history, and future. My education in Economics at The University of Akron has been a privilege and I am looking forward to using this education to make a real difference in the world.

Maci Woyat

Economics Major, Class of 2020

I learned how versatile Economics truly is as I pursued my major at UA. I interned with the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce where I applied what I learned in class to make real changes that will improve my local community. After graduation, I have been using my economics training in the cybersecurity field with a federal agency. There are limitless possibilities with economics.

Sydney Martis

Economics Major, Class of 2015

Human Capital Consultant, Deloitte Consulting

Named “20 in their 20s” by Crain's Cleveland Business in 2019

In a world increasingly surrounded by data, pursuing an undergraduate degree in economics leads to the development of core skills such as data analytics, public speaking, teamwork, and problem solving that are valuable to any employer.