MA in Economics Testimonials

Hear from former students who took part in our economics program and learn how they used their experience to build successful careers.  

Emmanuel Yimfor

 Emmanuel Yimfor

     
     Assistant Professor
     University of Michigan
     
     MA Economics, '15
     BBA Finance, '12

 “The economics program taught me mathematical and economic reasoning, skills that are critical for success in a finance Ph.D. program. I enjoyed the part of economics that dealt with the distribution of wealth. It’s, thus, no surprise that I ended up in finance, a branch of economics that studies the allocation of investable capital.”

 

Laura Ross

 Laura Ross

     
     Senior Director, Reporting & Analytics
     Superior Health Plan
 
     MA Economics, '11
     BBA Economics, '11
    

 “Data is the future. With a focus in economic analysis, the KSU MA in Economics program provided me with the right knowledge and skills for the current job market. As a Director of Analytics at a Fortune 100 company, the ability to analyze, model, and make sense of real world data is critical to moving the business forward. I also oversee the hiring and capabilities of our analytics team. While it is a growth market, having a graduate degree really helps job applicants stand out in the candidate pool. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone considering that next step in their education.”

 

Ben Comston

 Ben Comston

 
     Director of Workforce
     Genesis Financial Solutions
 
     MA Economics, '10
     
 
   
 
   
 

 “What I like most about Economics is the fact that everything does not have a straightforward answer. Although there are formulas, much of the time is spent on the how, what, and why of solving a problem. That’s what sets econ majors apart from those who rely solely on formulas/outcomes to tell the bigger story.”

 

Masha Brussevich

 Masha Brussevich

 
     Economist
     International Monetary Fund
 
     MA Economics, '12
     BBA Economics, '10
     
 
 

“Economics can answer virtually any question from how to optimally attract foreign direct investment to how to design a well-functioning health-care system. Many econometric and theoretical tools are at the economists’ disposal to answer these questions. These tools keep evolving allowing economists to find more precise answers, which means that, as an economist, you never stop learning.”

 

Michael Zuschin

 Michael Zuschin

 
     Director of Analytics Architecture
     Cleveland Clinics Hospitals
 
     MA Economics, '97
     BBA Economics, '96
     
 
 

“Economics teaches the discipline of analysis: how to work with data and models, how to be objective and recognize bias, and how to take complex information and express it in ways that are simple and relevant. Analytic capability and data literacy are not only indispensable for my job in Enterprise Analytics but are some of the most sought-after skills for new hires in all industries & roles. In general I’ve found that people automatically have a high level of respect and reverence for someone with an economics background, even if they love to tell economist jokes.”

 

David Singh

 David Singh

     
     Senior Data Analyst
     Progressive Insurance
 
     BBA Economics, '13
     MA Economics '14

 “The M.A.E program at Kent State opened many opportunities for me within the business analytics field. Furthermore, the program equipped me with knowledge of various analytical methods to better tell the story of data.”

 

Xiaoxiao Li

 Xiaoxiao Li

 
     Assistant Professor, Economics
     Villanova University
 
     MA Economics, '11
     
 
 

“KSU is and will always be my first - warm and sweet - home in the U.S. I had a wonderful journal in Kent - not only learning analytical knowledge and skills from the Econ MA program, but also finding out my own interests, strength, and purpose of life. Every professor and staff were incredibly welcoming, encouraging, and interesting. They had profound influences on me. The early-mid 20s is an important phase of life: re-shaping values, establishing independence, exploring possibilities of adulthood. I am so glad I chose KSU. Go Flashes!”