There are nine essential skills you should have in order to find, acquire, maintain, and grow within a job.

Essential skills built through majoring in Economics include:

• Critical Thinking
• Oral & Written Communication
• Global Learning

Click here to learn more about each essential skill.

Students graduating with a B.A. degree in Economics find themselves most often in positions in:

• Financial Services
• Consulting
• Government and Public Policy

Click here to explore career opportunities by major.

Students who choose to pursue a graduate degree often consider these pathways:

• Economics
• Law
• Finance

Click here to learn more about applying to graduate school.

Major milestones consist of activities students should complete during their first year, middle years and last year at MSU Denver. These milestones will help prospective and current students explore major and career options and create a year-by-year plan to integrate curricular (what happens inside the classroom), co-curricular (what happens inside and outside the classroom, and non-curricular (what happens outside the classroom) experiences. For example, milestones might list specific classes student should take at specific times along their journey or may suggest when students should participate in research opportunities with faculty members.

Simply put, Major Milestones are meant to enhance your student experience and set you up for success.

To use this tool to the fullest, follow these steps

1. Click on your year in school from the list below.
2. Read the steps listed in each category: Cultivate, Engage and Prepare.
3. Complete any necessary steps listed.
4. Check out further resources by connecting with your academic advisor, the Classroom to Career Hub, and your department faculty.

All options listed below are available in-person and online unless noted otherwise.

• Attend orientation and register for classes.
• Meet with your Academic Advisor.
• Complete FAFSA/CASFA/COF and the General Scholarship Application.

• Join a student organization and get connected to support on campus.
• Declare a major, (explore our fully online programs!) or meet with an exploratory advisor to learn about options.
• Attend signature events on campus (Convocation, Fall Fest, Spring Fling, etc.).

• Visit the Economics department in Physical Location.
• Develop an Academic Yearly Plan with Academic Advisor.
• Complete your General Studies courses and ensure that they meet Economics and/or Business Core prerequisite courses.

• Meet other economics students/majors and consider organizing study group/team.
• Meet the Department chair to discuss your interests and post-graduation goals (enter labor market – what are the things you are passionate about, graduate school, K-12 teaching, etc.) to help fine tune your Academic Yearly Plan when it comes to select upper-division (economics) electives for the BA in Economics.
• Attend events organized by the Economics Department.

• Learn your student support resources (tutoring, Career Services C2 Hub support, Explore student groups and clubs).
• Meet other economics students/majors and consider organizing study group/team.
• Attend the “Meet an Alumnus Event.”

• Consider adding a minor or certificate to your chosen major.
• Explore resources like the tutoring program or the writing center.
• Get familiar with MSU Denver’s Academic Planning Tool.

• Explore student leadership on campus and volunteering in your community.
• Earn credit and gain experience through an internship, study abroad, or community-engaged learning.
• Attend identity or interest-based campus events like the Richard T. Castro speaker series.

• Connect with the Undergraduate Research and Scholarship program.
• Attend an in-person Career Fair to network and secure a professional headshot.
• Connect with an Industry Navigator from the Classroom to Career Hub (C2Hub) to discuss internships, engaging with industry partners, and professional mentoring.
• Log in to Career Link to find an internship or even a full-time position for the Summer.

• Meet with your Academic Advisor and/or Department Chair/Faculty to fine tune your graduation plan.
• Meet with an Economics Faculty member or Department Chair to discuss career or graduate opportunities.
• If considering Study Abroad, talk to the Department Chair and Economics Advisor about how studying abroad fits into your degree.

• Attend the events organized by the Economics Department and/or the Denver Association of Business Economists.
• Consider attending a professional conference for economists.
• Apply for tutoring positions in the department. Also consider being a Supplemental Instruction leader.

• If applying for graduate school, finalize preparations such as taking the GRE, LSAT, or GMAT and asking for faculty recommendation letters.
• Take electives that polish economics, analytical, quantitative, leadership, or communication skills.
• Build your resume by completing a paid internship in an industry that aligns with your career goals. Career Link can help you find internships that match your skills and interests.If you’re pursuing graduate school, consider applying for Research Assistant Positions or a pre-Doc or consider applying for the American Economic Association Summer Programs.

• Meet with your advisor to complete remaining graduation requirements.
• Ready to Graduate? Check out this guide from the registrar!
• Attend or present in-person at a major-specific or industry-specific conference or networking event.

• Attend in-person alumni and campus-wide networking events.
• Submit a proposal to present in-person at the Undergraduate Research Conference.
• Seek to collaborate with local civic organizations.

• Finalize your portfolio of relevant projects and skills.
• Attend in-person career-focused events with an industry-ready resume.
• Identify needs for Professional Certifications or MCAT/LSAT etc. and prepare for professional school admissions.
• Prepare and submit applications for jobs, graduate school, or relevant post-grad training.

• If applying for graduate school, finalize preparations such as taking the GRE, LSAT, or GMAT and asking for faculty recommendation letters.
• Take electives that polish economics, analytical, quantitative, leadership, or communication skills.
• Consider completing a paid internship in an industry that aligns with your career goals; if planning to go to graduate school, consider applying for Research Assistant Positions or a pre-Doc or consider applying for the American Economic Association Summer Training & Scholarship Program.

• Consider being a Tutor, Supplemental Instructor, or Peer Mentor.
• Attend the events organized by the Economics Department and/or the Denver Association of Business Economists.
• Attend a conference that align with your graduate school aspiration and consider participating into the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition at the Association of Private Enterprise or MSU Denver Undergraduate Research Conference.

• Finalize your cover letter, resume, LinkedIn Profile
• Attend the events organized by the Economics Department and/or the Denver Association of Business Economists.
• Join national professional organizations.
• Prepare and submit applications for jobs, graduate school, or relevant post-grad training.