A thorough understanding of economic principles helps our students analyze economic trends and the government's responses to them. Economic majors have the opportunity to develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which are an integral part of a liberal arts education. By exploring economic theories that help explain human behavior, Hollins students learn to develop their own arguments and to evaluate their own values regarding theories and models discussed in class.

While at Hollins, students learn to:

• Interpret the significance of national and international economic events
• Understand global economic issues and perspectives
• Evaluate the effects of monetary and fiscal policies
• Examine the effects of socioeconomic trends
• Examine the effects of gender, race, and class on economic opportunities
• Examine the effects of growth on the ecology and natural environment
• Collect statistical data and effectively assess information
• Examine and critique standard economic theories

Hollins students reinforce what they learn about the techniques and methods of modern financial institutions and corporate enterprises through internships during the January Short Term.

Economics majors gain valuable experience in writing papers and projects as part of their class work. Many employers and graduate schools consider the successful completion of a major research project as part of the capstone experience (the senior seminar) a symbol of high academic achievement.

Why major in economics?

From investment banking to international finance, from conducting market research to being the CEO of their own companies, Hollins economics majors have achieved success in a variety of professions. The strength of the Hollins economics program is demonstrated by the fact that so many of our graduates go on to high-level careers in management and finance and are accepted into the business school, law school, or other graduate schools of their choice. Our graduates say the combination of a strong liberal arts education and a comprehensive understanding of economics, business-related areas, quantitative reasoning skills, and research methodology gives them both the knowledge and the skills needed to succeed in a competitive job market. Especially helpful to many of our majors is the personal attention given to them by faculty when completing their course work.

Internships

During the January Short Term, students seek out internships in a variety of cities and professions. Most say this on-the-job training provides invaluable insights into the working world. They also praise the experience they gain and the extensive network of Hollins alumnae willing to help with practical advice and connections to businesses and financial institutions nationwide. Sometimes such an internship provides an entree to their first job after graduation, as many Hollins seniors report that they received job offers from companies with which they interned.

Some recent internships include:

• International Monetary Fund
• UBS Financial Services, Inc.
• Museum of the City of New York
• Smith Barney
• Child Workers in Nepal Concerned Center