Join, Learn, Explore, etc...

We recommend looking into the following groups, clubs, workshops, events, jobs, courses, trainings, and other extracurricular activities to build important skills needed for the job market and graduate school.

 

Econ Ambassadors

Econ Ambassadors represent the Department of Economics in various capacities and act as a student advisory committee for the Undergraduate Office.  They are selected from declared Economics Majors in their junior or senior year, based on strong academics, demonstrated leadership and involvement, and commitment to the Department, College, and University both while in school and as alumni.  Students receive unique opportunities, such as attend alumni events, participate in special fieldtrips, and be eligible for internship and job opportunities from the Econ Alumni Development Committee.  The group is a great way to be involved, build leadership, and receive unique opportunities.

http://www.economics.illinois.edu/programs/undergrad/contact/

 

Economics Club

Student run club brings in many speakers, resume reviews, and social events to help you network and build contacts.  It is great to meet other students in the major as they can help with guidance and tips navigating your time on campus and beyond.

www.go.illinois.edu/EconClub  and www.facebook.com/uiuceconclub

 

Virtual Job Board

Students may obtain various jobs on campus.  Jobs help to show your responsibility and build various work skills, and you will gain great references and networks.  Many areas across campus hire throughout the year, so check the job board and look for other opportunities, such as the student affairs career fair.  https://secure.admin.illinois.edu/osfa/vjb/joblist.aspx

 

Double major or minor

Economics students may pursue multiple majors and minors, both within LAS and outside the College.  This allows students to obtain advanced knowledge in areas outside of their initial major based on interests or future career/graduate goals.  These take careful planning, so be sure to meet with the Academic Advisors in all departments to ensure you are completing all requirements.

 

Certificate programs

Certificate programs are a great way to build your skills and experiences in areas which may not be part of your major or offered as a minor.  These certificates are located within a college, department, or center.  Certificates may be highlighted on your resume. (Please see our ‘Certificate Programs’ worksheet for more information)

 

Market Information Lab

The Market Information Lab has become one of the most highly utilized university finance labs in the US. It is equipped with state-of-the-art electronic sources of financial and business data and software products used globally by industry firms. http://business.illinois.edu/MIL

Some Workshops: Bloomberg, Capital IQ, Crystal Ball, Moody’s KMV, Matlab, Trading…

 

Illinois Leadership Center

The Illinois Leadership Center at the University of Illinois provides students with opportunities to develop, or enhance, essential leadership skills. Our programs and services provide leadership training through both academic coursework and experiential programming. We help provide the 'experience you need for life' to be successful in your community, organizations, and relationships.  There are many programs students can attend and students may complete a Minor in Leadership Studies or a Certificate.  http://www.illinoisleadership.illinois.edu/

 

Intensive Foreign Language Instruction Program (IFLIP)

If you have interest in a foreign language, but do not have the time in your class schedule or want to take for a grade, these workshops are excellent to build your skills.  Offered over the summer and winter break.  http://www.slcl.illinois.edu/connect/IFLIP.html

 

Workshops and Retreats

The campus and outside organizations provide different workshops, retreats, and trainings on different issues, such as diversity, leadership, and career success.  These are great for intense training sessions and meeting others, and they may be included on your resume.  Look at the campus calendars and websites, such as Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations, Office of Minority Student Affairs, The Leadership Center, YMCA, The Illini Union, Resident Life, etc.

 

Registered Student Organizations (RSO)

Look for an RSO which aligns with your interests and career pursuits.  You will build great contacts and have great experiences.  Go beyond general memberships and get involved.  http://union.illinois.edu/get-involved/office-of-registered-organizations

                ECON Club www.go.illinois.edu/EconClub

                Capital Markets Group https://illinois.collegiatelink.net/organization/CapitalMarketsGroup-CMG 

                OTCR Consulting http://otcr.illinois.edu/

                Illinois Business Consulting http://www.ibc.illinois.edu/

                                             

Volunteer

The Office of Volunteer Programs and many community organizations offer ways to volunteer on campus, in the community, and from afar.  Find a cause which is important to you, volunteer, and seek out leadership opportunities.  http://union.illinois.edu/get-involved/office-of-volunteer-programs

 

TED Talks

Browse through thousands of different topics and hear short talks from a variety of speakers.  The topics include building confidence, power posing, interviewing, success, careers, failure, body language, leading, etc.  They may help you present yourself better, think about your career, present yourself differently, or just spark your interest.  http://new.ted.com/

 

Research and Independent Study

Economics offers Independent Study/Research courses for students to register and receive credit once they have coordinated with an Economics faculty member.  We encourage students to get to know the faculty in the department at events, in their classes, and during office hours to open more opportunities for research and independent study, as well as recommendations.  You may also explore the Office of Undergraduate Research: http://provost.illinois.edu/our/

 

Study Abroad

It is highly encouraged for students to participate in a study abroad to add to their international understanding and experience different cultures.  There are programs during all semesters, including summer, and some over winter break.  Some include internships or have special programs, and some are faculty led.  http://www.studyabroad.illinois.edu/

 

Illinois in Washington

This academic internship program allows you to obtain credit while working in Washington DC.  The internship does not have to be government related, there are many options to select from in many different industries.  The program has options both semesters and over the summer, and you live with other U of I students. http://www.washington.illinois.edu/

 

ENG 315: Learning in Community

Learn. Lead. Make an Impact. LINC is an interdisciplinary, inquiry-guided service-learning course in which students provide meaningful service through the conception, development, and implementation of projects in collaboration with non-profits and community partners. Each section of the course is dedicated to a nonprofit organization that has proposed one or more projects of importance.

Enhance you leadership, teamwork, consulting, and many other skills while earning college credit and building your resume. http://linc.illinois.edu/

 

Diversity Courses

Diversity Ed, EPS, EPSY, LLS, EOL, AAS, and other areas offer classes on ethnic, cultural, diversity, and social justice training and understanding. https://oiir.illinois.edu/diversityed/about-diversity-ed

 

Leadership Courses

AGED 260 (Introduction to Leadership Studies), AGED 380 (Leadership in Groups & Teams), and others within the area.

 

CMN 101: Public Speaking

Build your public speaking abilities which will prepare you for presentations and also help organize your thoughts when speaking to others.  There are sections which are specifically for non-native English speakers.

 

199 and 399 Courses (Seminars)

Departments have many seminars which are on different topics and can help prepare for careers, internships, study abroad, and many other experiences.  Look through the different offerings on the course schedule each semester.  www.my.illinois.edu

 

Lynda

Free access to online training tutorial library. Lynda.com is widely recognized as the industry leader in online learning and their library contains over 1,200 courses and 73,000 tutorials organized by subject, software, and instructor. Taught by industry experts, these videos will be available 24/7 to accommodate your busy schedule and to allow you to learn at your own pace.  Many courses provide 7 to 8 hours of detailed information and are broken down into 5-15 minute segments so that you can stop watching at any time and easily return to where you left off. http://go.illinois.edu/lynda

 

Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs)

The University of Illinois and many other Universities have paired together with Coursera to offer these online classes in a variety of subjects.  While you are unable to receive college credit, they are a great way to learn a new topic, enhance your background in certain areas, or build new skills and competencies.  http://mooc.illinois.edu/

 

Khan Academy

Not-for-profit organization with a goal of changing education for the better by providing free educational materials and resources for everyone.  If you would like to learn a new area or emphasize something you already know, this website is a great resource. https://www.khanacademy.org/about