OpportunitiesDepartment of Business and Economics

Diversify your portfolio of business and finance experience, from studying international business in Spain to winning seed money for your start-up company. Check out all the possibilities to grow outside your classes.

Discover the Opportunities with Business and Economics

  • Entrepreneurship Gustavus provides an excellent environment for aspiring entrepreneurs. A liberal arts focus on critical thinking and creative problem-solving are essential for success. The Gustie Entrepreneur Cup pairs student entrepreneurs with alumni mentors to develop and pitch a business concept. The winning pitches win seed money to help their dream get started.

  • Mentoring This campus-wide program matches Gustavus students with a Gustavus alum, parent, or friend for a mentoring relationship. It prepares students for their transition to professional life upon graduation. Most graduates from the Economics and Management Department participate in the mentoring program.

  • Student Clubs Student organizations are a great way to get involved and engage outside of the classroom. The Department has several clubs, all focused on building strong relationships while gaining professional skills and career knowledge. The Accounting Club helps students learn more about a career in accounting, the Finance Club organizes campus events to teach financial literacy, and the Investment Club actively manages a diversified investment portfolio with a market value of approximately $250,000.

  • Gustavus Women in Leadership (GWIL) GWIL is a campus student organization that is popular among Econ/Management students. GWIL's purpose is to prepare, promote, and inspire Gustavus women in their professional and personal leadership development to reach their fullest potential.

  • Study Away Many students in the department choose to do a semester studying away from campus. Credits from semester-long programs can meet requirements of the major or minor. The Department also coordinates a January independent study in Hong Kong to provide an opportunity to learn about international business and global financial markets and experience Asia's banking center.

  • Internships Most students complete at least one internship before graduating. Internships are an outstanding way to explore possible career paths. An internship may be for academic credit or independent, either paid or voluntary. Our strong alumni network provides connections and opportunities.

  • Careers/Graduate School Gustavus graduates leave the Hill prepared to lead and excel in a wide variety of business careers and Gustavus prepares students to be successful in a myriad of different graduate programs. Some of the most frequently selected paths are an economics PhD and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) programs.

  • Research and Scholar Innovation Several research and scholar innovation opportunities are available. The Innovation Scholars program is a research and marketability analysis experience with leading Mayo Clinic inventors; the Mairs & Power Award for Investment Study supports the career aspirations of women in the world of finance; there also are summer Presidential Grants and partnerships with faculty during the year for individual research projects.