{"id":471,"date":"2022-04-29T16:05:53","date_gmt":"2022-04-29T16:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/programs-2\/economics-and-business\/"},"modified":"2025-10-01T14:48:29","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T18:48:29","slug":"economics-and-business","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/programs\/economics-and-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Economics and Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover is-light\" style=\"min-height:280px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-3053\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/04\/Major-Meeting-1-scaled.jpg\" style=\"object-position:53% 61%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"53% 61%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/04\/Major-Meeting-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/04\/Major-Meeting-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/04\/Major-Meeting-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/04\/Major-Meeting-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/04\/Major-Meeting-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/04\/Major-Meeting-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/04\/Major-Meeting-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/04\/Major-Meeting-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-columns ab-layout-columns-3 ab-3-col-equal\"><div class=\"ab-layout-column-wrap ab-block-layout-column-gap-2 ab-is-responsive-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-column ab-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"ab-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-column ab-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"ab-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-column ab-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"ab-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-study-economics-and-business-at-k\">Why Study Economics and Business at K?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-columns ab-layout-columns-2 ab-2-col-wideleft\"><div class=\"ab-layout-column-wrap ab-block-layout-column-gap-2 ab-is-responsive-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-column ab-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"ab-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Integrating Economics and Business, theory and practice, we develop creative, broad-minded problem-solvers and leaders.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the business and economics department, you will learn how to apply theories to real-world problems and develop the critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and historical perspective necessary to succeed in your future career.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout your four years with the department, you will be exposed to a wide variety of ideas by taking classes focused on economic theory (Principles of Economics; Macroeconomics), quantitative tools and methods (Statistics for Business and Economics; Econometrics), fundamental business principles (Accounting; Marketing), and field-specific topics (Environmental Economics; Principles of Investments). These courses will empower you to build upon theoretical foundations to address pressing real-world problems.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-column ab-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"ab-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<div style=\"text-align:right\" class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-button ab-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/econbusn.kzoo.edu\/\" class=\"ab-button ab-button-shape-rounded ab-button-size-small\" style=\"color:#006983;background-color:#eee\">Department Website <span class=\"fas fa-solid fa-square-arrow-up-right\" style=\"font-size:inherit; color:inherit\"> <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"text-align:right\" class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-button ab-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/econbusn.kzoo.edu\/people\/faculty-staff\/\" class=\"ab-button ab-button-shape-rounded ab-button-size-small\" style=\"color:#006983;background-color:#eee\">Department Faculty <span class=\"fas fa-solid fa-square-arrow-up-right\" style=\"font-size:inherit; color:inherit\"> <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"text-align:right\" class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-button ab-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/catalog\/academic-programs\/economics-and-business\/\" class=\"ab-button ab-button-shape-rounded ab-button-size-small\" style=\"color:#006983;background-color:#eee\">Requirements and Courses <span class=\"fas fa-solid fa-square-arrow-up-right\" style=\"font-size:inherit; color:inherit\"> <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2022\/08\/\u00a9ChrisMcGuire0213AcademicRigor2016-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"325\" height=\"215\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2022\/08\/\u00a9ChrisMcGuire0213AcademicRigor2016-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2018\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>With the tangible skills and broad knowledge base you will gain as a business, economics or quantitative economics major\u2014in addition to the experiential education and completion of your Senior Integrated Project\u2014you will be equipped with the talents to be successful in many professional settings. Notably, our alumni have thrived in private, public, nonprofit, domestic and international business sectors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choosing the Right Major<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>business, economics and quantitative economics majors are three separate major programs<\/strong> housed within the same department. Due to the significant overlap in their programming and courses, students cannot major in multiple degree programs within the department. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students intending to study economics or finance at the graduate level are encouraged to major in quantitative economics, where students will be exposed to the necessary quantitative skills. Those students who are interested in law school, public policy, or really, any career path, are well served by the major in economics. Students who discover a passion for marketing, finance, accounting, or management may consider a major in business, which emphasizes analytical, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group shadow has-light-gray-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"what-can-you-do-with-a-business-or-economics-major\">What can you do with a business or economics major?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Below are some of the careers, employers, and graduate schools of our business and economics alumni.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-columns ab-layout-columns-3 ab-3-col-equal\"><div class=\"ab-layout-column-wrap ab-block-layout-column-gap-1 ab-is-responsive-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-column ab-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"ab-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Careers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Financial or Investment Management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/elux.kzoo.edu\/spring-2022\/brewing-a-dream\/\">Entrepreneur<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Law<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marketing or Sales Management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public Policy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-column ab-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"ab-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Employers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>U.S. Department of Labor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deloitte<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Liberty Mutual<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fleishman Hillard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-column ab-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"ab-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Graduate Schools<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>University of Texas at Austin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>University of California Irvine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Michigan State University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Texas A&amp;M University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Washington University in St. Louis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"program-spotlights\">Program Spotlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element border shadow has-light-gray-background-color has-background\" style=\"grid-template-columns:36% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"679\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/08\/c-Mumma-298-classrooms-2-1024x679.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3066 size-full\" style=\"object-position:38% 34%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/08\/c-Mumma-298-classrooms-2-1024x679.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/08\/c-Mumma-298-classrooms-2-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/08\/c-Mumma-298-classrooms-2-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/08\/c-Mumma-298-classrooms-2.jpg 1099w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong><strong><strong>Faculty Excellence: Learn from the Experts<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>You will benefit from learning from our stellar faculty, who are all experts in their fields or entrepreneurs who have demonstrated success in business practices. With an array of different backgrounds and specialties, our faculty cooperate to further their respective fields, such as Professors Hultberg and Udayanganie, who collaborated to research how&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/climate-change-economics\/\" target=\"_blank\">international economic policies can combat climate change<\/a>. While our faculty take pride in their research and practices, K is a teaching-first institution, and our professors take immense joy in the close mentorship they develop with students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element border shadow has-light-gray-background-color has-background\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 36%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong><strong><strong>Apply your Learning and Gain Experience through Internships<\/strong><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As a business and economics student, many of the skills you need to be successful post-graduation are best learned through professional experiences and internships. The department and the College\u2019s <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/career.kzoo.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\">Center for Career and Professional Development<\/a> will coach you through the process of landing a meaningful internship and potentially even providing funding for unpaid opportunities for high-need and first-generation students. It is through these internships that you can begin to contextualize and experience your education first-hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"335\" height=\"325\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2022\/08\/cMUMMA-Career-Summit-2018-0194.jpg\" alt=\"K students posing with a hirer at a career fair\" class=\"wp-image-1730 size-full\" style=\"object-position:54% 13%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2022\/08\/cMUMMA-Career-Summit-2018-0194.jpg 335w, https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2022\/08\/cMUMMA-Career-Summit-2018-0194-300x291.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 335px) 100vw, 335px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element border shadow has-light-gray-background-color has-background\" style=\"grid-template-columns:36% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/08\/c-Esther_-collab-event9637-resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3069 size-full\" style=\"object-position:61% 38%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/08\/c-Esther_-collab-event9637-resized.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/08\/c-Esther_-collab-event9637-resized-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong><strong><strong>Be Actively Engaged in your Learning<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>All your classes with the department balance theory with practice. For example, in Negotiation and Persuasion, you will learn how to influence others during crucial conversations by drawing from the latest research, use cases and exercises. Each week you will practice these skills through mock negotiations, giving you the confidence to negotiate your worth and resolve conflicts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your courses will also take you out of the classroom and into the world, as is the case with Principles of Marketing where you will create real-life, actionable business plans to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/small-businesses\/\">assist local business owners in meaningful ways<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element border shadow has-light-gray-background-color has-background\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 36%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong><strong><strong>Showcase your knowledge with your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/k-plan\/sip\/\">Senior Integrated Project<\/a> (SIP)<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For an economics or business SIP, you can choose to either design and execute a research study, expand upon your previous coursework with more in-depth analysis, or take part in an internship that relates to your studies. For example, Mihail Naskovski &#8217;22 received funding through the Gilchrist Economics and Business SIP Research Grant to conduct his research, titled, &#8220;Econometric Analysis of the Relationship Between Domestic Economic Growth and Levels of Inflow of Remittances Among Developing Countries.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"335\" height=\"325\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2022\/11\/c-Mumma-310-classrooms-.jpg\" alt=\"Studnet presenting on a whiteboard\" class=\"wp-image-2961 size-full\" style=\"object-position:10% 49%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2022\/11\/c-Mumma-310-classrooms-.jpg 335w, https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2022\/11\/c-Mumma-310-classrooms--300x291.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 335px) 100vw, 335px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\" id=\"meet-the-current-departmental-student-advisors\">Meet the Current Departmental Student Advisors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\" id=\"business\">Business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-columns ab-layout-columns-2 ab-2-col-wideright\"><div class=\"ab-layout-column-wrap ab-block-layout-column-gap-2 ab-is-responsive-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-column ab-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"ab-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2025\/09\/Grace-Westerhuis.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"268\" height=\"268\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2025\/09\/Grace-Westerhuis.jpg\" alt=\"A smiling young woman named Grace Westerhuis, with shoulder-length wavy blonde hair and brown eyes, poses indoors against a softly lit elegant background with warm lighting. She wears gold hoop earrings and a black blazer over a white top.\" class=\"wp-image-3961\" style=\"width:300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2025\/09\/Grace-Westerhuis.jpg 268w, https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2025\/09\/Grace-Westerhuis-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 268px) 100vw, 268px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Grace Westerhuis<\/strong> (she\/her)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Majors:<\/strong> Business and Spanish<br><br><strong>Study Abroad: <\/strong>Madrid, Spain<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Best Adjective to Describe You:<\/strong> Ambitious<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-column ab-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"ab-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<p><strong>What is the best thing about being part of this department?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The faculty within the business department are deeply invested not only in your academic performance while in school, but also in your long-term success beyond graduation. They offer personalized mentorship, career guidance, and real-world insight to help students navigate both their studies and their future professional paths with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>What drew you to the department?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I was drawn to the business department at Kalamazoo College because it offered the perfect blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and a liberal arts foundation. I wanted to understand the social, ethical, and global context behind economic and business decisions which is why Kalamazoo\u2019s emphasis on critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning stood out to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?<\/strong><br><br>The flexible curriculum at Kalamazoo College has enabled me to pursue a major in business alongside Spanish. Although these fields may seem unrelated, I\u2019ve had the opportunity to deeply explore and engage with subjects in both departments and overall making me a more well-rounded individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/k-plan\/sip\/\">Senior Integrated Project<\/a> (SIP)?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I will be reviewing my time as a corporate merchandising intern for Meijer. As an intern I will be on a team developing a strategy that incorporates consumer behavior research, marketing, and financial aspects to implement a new men\u2019s workwear clothing brand in Meijer stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What are your career aspirations\/next steps after K?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After graduating from K, I hope to work at a consulting firm where I can help businesses grow, adapt and solve complex challenges internationally.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-k-orange-color has-css-opacity has-k-orange-background-color has-background\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"economics\">Economics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-columns ab-layout-columns-2 ab-2-col-wideright\"><div class=\"ab-layout-column-wrap ab-block-layout-column-gap-2 ab-is-responsive-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-column ab-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"ab-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2025\/09\/Sophie-Hartl.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"286\" height=\"286\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2025\/09\/Sophie-Hartl.jpg\" alt=\"A smiling young woman named Sophie Hartl, with long wavy brown hair and warm brown eyes, poses outdoors against a serene water background. She wears a delicate necklace and a white top with a subtle floral pattern.\" class=\"wp-image-3965\" style=\"width:300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2025\/09\/Sophie-Hartl.jpg 286w, https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2025\/09\/Sophie-Hartl-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 286px) 100vw, 286px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sophie Hartl<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Majors: <\/strong>Economics and Anthropology\/Sociology<br><br><strong>Concentration:<\/strong> Community and Global Health<br><br><strong>Study Abroad: <\/strong>Athens, Greece<br><br><strong>Best Adjective to Describe You:<\/strong> Driven<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-atomic-blocks-ab-column ab-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"ab-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<p><strong>What is the best thing about being part of this department?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The professors in the department are very informative and care about their students\u2019 learning and futures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What drew you to the department?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I enjoy economics because the subject is very well-versed and you can do a lot of different things with the concepts. I was drawn to economics because I enjoy math and numbers but also realized through taking my first classes that I enjoyed the theory as well and the application of the subject to the real world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is your favorite thing about K?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then community. I love all of the people at K.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, K has allowed me to experience different curriculums. The biggest way it has done this is by allowing me to have two majors. I also have a concentration in community and global health so have taken courses in different disciplines for that, as well as for environmental studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>What is your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/k-plan\/sip\/\">Senior Integrated Project<\/a> (SIP)?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am doing an experiential internship SIP through my internship with Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What are your career aspirations\/next steps after K?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am still deciding what I want to do post grad. I may go on to get my Masters in Public Health or try to enter the workforce directly after graduation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"business-and-economics-department-news\">Business and Economics Department News<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"hidebullet wp-block-rss\"><li class='wp-block-rss__item'><div class='wp-block-rss__item-title'><a href='https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/working-in-major-league-baseball\/'>Alumnus Conquers Curveball to Work in Major League Baseball<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class='wp-block-rss__item'><div class='wp-block-rss__item-title'><a href='https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/job-shadows-emphasize-relationships-in-hospitality\/'>Job Shadows Emphasize Relationships in Hospitality<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class='wp-block-rss__item'><div class='wp-block-rss__item-title'><a href='https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/baseball-job\/'>Alumna Swings for the Fences, Scores Baseball Job<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class='wp-block-rss__item'><div class='wp-block-rss__item-title'><a href='https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/lets-learn-moffit-scholarship-fund-honors-professor-supports-students\/'>\u2018Let\u2019s Learn!\u2019: Moffit Scholarship Fund Honors Professor, Supports Students\u00a0<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class='wp-block-rss__item'><div class='wp-block-rss__item-title'><a href='https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/news\/quantitative-economics\/'>Quantitative Economics Major Gives Students More Options<\/a><\/div><\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why Study Economics and Business at K? With the tangible skills and broad knowledge base you will gain as a business, economics or quantitative economics major\u2014in addition to the experiential education and completion of your Senior Integrated Project\u2014you will be equipped with the talents to be successful in many professional settings. Notably, our alumni have [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":436,"menu_order":15,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-471","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\r\n<title> | Kalamazoo College &#8211; Academics<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"As an economics or business major, you will apply theories to real-world problems to develop critical thinking and quantitative analysis.\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\r\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/programs\/economics-and-business\/\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Economics and Business Major - Academics at K\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"As an economics or business major, you will apply theories to real-world problems to develop critical thinking and quantitative analysis.\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/programs\/economics-and-business\/\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Academics\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-01T18:48:29+00:00\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/04\/Major-Meeting-1-scaled.jpg\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\r\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/programs\/economics-and-business\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/programs\/economics-and-business\/\",\"name\":\"Economics and Business Major - Academics at K\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/programs\/economics-and-business\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/programs\/economics-and-business\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/04\/Major-Meeting-1-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-04-29T16:05:53+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-01T18:48:29+00:00\",\"description\":\"As an economics or business major, you will apply theories to real-world problems to develop critical thinking and quantitative analysis.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/programs\/economics-and-business\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/programs\/economics-and-business\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/programs\/economics-and-business\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/04\/Major-Meeting-1-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/files\/2023\/04\/Major-Meeting-1-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1707},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/programs\/economics-and-business\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Programs\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/programs\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Economics and Business\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/\",\"name\":\"Academics\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.kzoo.edu\/academic\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\r\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":" | Kalamazoo College &#8211; 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