Economics Alumni

MBA, International Business, TAMU-CC `21 | BBA, Economics, TAMU-CC `20 
Field Economist | the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 

Career Progression 
I started as a GS-9 Field Economist with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, through the Pathways Program for recent graduates in 2022. I am now a GS-12 Field Economist, and as I type this, I'm preparing for a weeklong training in DC with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a collateral duty. I'll be working as an EEO Counselor in addition to my regular Field Economist duties.  

What sparked your interest in economics? 
Dr. David Hudgins' Principles of Microeconomics class. I had no intention of studying economics when I started at TAMUCC until I took my first COB core required econ class with him. I was so engaged with the subject and thrilled with the flexibility an econ major offered. It was like a light bulb went off - I changed my major within a month. 

How has TAMU-CC influenced your career path or helped you discover your career interests? 
All the econ professors were very open with their experiences in various fields of study, and they helped guide me to find something that matched my goals. I also had campus-wide support from the Student Veterans Organization, Student Economic Association, Career Services, and the Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center.  

What advice would you give current students pursuing careers in economics? 
Lean into the quantitative side of economics! The jewels of my resume are my skills in econometrics, statistics, statistical software, and analytics. Econ courses teach valuable quantitative skills alongside economic theory, so I recommend taking advantage of any real-world analytical experience offered. 

Which economics course did you enjoy the most? 
It's a tie between Public Finance and Econometrics. Both were pivotal courses for me: Public Finance inspired me and solidified my intention to work in the public sector, while Econometrics strengthened my analytical skills and my confidence in those skills.  

MBA, TAMU-CC `21 | BBA, Economics, TAMU-CC `19 
Senior Analyst | United FP 

What sparked your interest in economics? 
My interest in economics began during my sophomore year of obtaining my Undergraduate Degree, when I took "Introduction to Microeconomics" as an elective. At the time, I was pursuing an entirely different major, however, I was immediately captivated by the subject. Economics gave me the ability to visualize and quantify the world around me in a way I had not considered before. The more I delved into it, the more I have come to realize that economics offers a framework for understanding how the world works—why prices fluctuate, how policies shape society, and the dynamics of financial systems. This big-picture perspective, showing how individual choices influence broader outcomes, is what ultimately drew me to the field. 

How has TAMU-CC influenced your career path or helped you discover your career interests? 
TAMU-CC, along with its faculty and staff, gave me a great platform to begin my career. The economics program there offered a mix of theory and practical application that really helped me connect classroom learning to real-world scenarios. The professors encouraged critical thinking and pushed us to explore different areas of the field, from Econometrics to Labor Economics. It was during my time at TAMU-CC that I discovered my passion for analysis and strategic planning, which have become central to my career today. The supportive environment and strong academic foundation I received at this university helped me realize my potential in economics and finance. 

What advice would you give current students pursuing careers in economics? 
Find what interests you about the field. Think long-term about how your skills coupled with your academic interests can provide you with a fulfilling career. Economics is such a versatile field, and it’s important to explore different areas—whether it's financial analysis, policy research, or data analytics. Place emphasis on developing strong quantitative skills, particularly in data analysis and financial modeling, because those will be key aspects to success in this field. Lastly, seek out internships or projects that allow you to apply what you learned in real-world settings. Practical experience is invaluable and will set you apart in your career. 

Which economics course did you enjoy the most? 
While it's next to impossible to pick just one that I enjoyed most, I would have to say that Introduction to Microeconomics was the class that convinced me to change my major. However, I found the Econometrics course to be particularly engaging and challenging. It gave me the tools to apply statistical methods to real-world economic data, which is something I continue to use in my career today. The course was challenging but incredibly rewarding, as it helped bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical application. Learning how to build models and interpret data was a game-changer for me and has been integral to my work in financial analysis and forecasting. 

MPA, TAMU-CC `16 | BBA, Economics, TAMU-CC `10 
Senior Planner | City of Corpus Christi  

What sparked your interest in economics?   
A friend of mine was majoring in economics in college and suggested that I look into it. I was a General Business major at the time, trying to figure out what specific field I should pursue. I sat in on an upper-level economics class and found it really interesting. The rest is history! 

How has TAMU-CC influenced your career path or helped you discover your career interests?  
I eventually returned to TAMU-CC to get a master’s degree in public administration. The connections I made as an Economics undergrad and an MPA grad student have helped me in different work projects I have developed and different employment opportunities. 

What advice would you give current students pursuing careers in economics?  
Take advantage of any internship opportunities. Economics can be applied very broadly, so internships really help you hone your career interests within the field. 

Which economics course did you enjoy the most?  
I enjoyed Environmental Economics! 

Master of Energy Economics, Rice University `24 | BBA, Economics, TAMU-CC `23 
Graduate Bid Manager | International Energy Company 

What sparked your interest in economics?  
The inspiring professors in the economics department led me to change my major to economics. While I won't name names, the professors truly care about their students and are deeply passionate about their field. Ever since my first Introduction to Microeconomics class, I was captivated by the subject and decided to change my major that same week. 

How has TAMU-CC influenced your career path or helped you discover your career interests? 
My time at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi opened my eyes to the world of economics and its vast opportunities. By exploring various disciplines and applied areas of research, I became fascinated by the complex and evolving field of energy economics. The knowledge I gained at TAMU-CC accelerated my learning and was instrumental in helping me succeed in graduate school. Now, I assist energy companies in digitizing existing technologies, enabling more efficient and resilient grids for a sustainable future. 

What advice would you give current students pursuing careers in economics?  
My advice is to engage with your professors as much as possible and identify a discipline, area of research, or school of economic thought that truly excites you. Study diligently, but also focus on applying what you've learned to real­ world challenges. A good economist excels in math, but a great economist excels in understanding people. 

Which economics course did you enjoy the most? 
My favorite class at Texas A&M University­ Corpus Christi was Introduction to Econometrics. The ability to use data to address complex economic and social issues has been invaluable throughout both my graduate studies and my professional career. 

Doctor of Law (JD), Texas A&M University `15 | BBA, Economics, TAMU-CC `12 
Attorney | The Law Office of Kayla McMains 

What sparked your interest in economics?  
Supply and demand is everywhere and everything! It is truly applicable to so many facets of our lives.  

How has TAMU-CC influenced your career path or helped you discover your career interests? 
My economics degree from TAMU-CC set me up for law school and my career as an attorney by honing my critical thinking and logical reasoning skills.  

What advice would you give current students pursuing careers in economics?  
I would say to keep going and get that degree! The skills and information that you are learning will serve you well in any future endeavors. 

Which economics course did you enjoy the most? 
I really enjoyed taking environmental economics because climate change is a huge issue for me, and I believe that economic policies and/or incentives can play a crucial role in curbing emissions.  

BBA, Economics and Finance, TAMU-CC `19 
Grains Trader | Luzar Trading 

What has been your career progression so far? 
I graduated and moved to Florida to work as a trading assistant at Amius, running regressions and finding correlations between different macroeconomic variables and agricultural commodities prices. After a year, I moved back to Colombia and worked for a couple years with a grains broker in the sales department and then as a sourcing manager, handling relationships with suppliers in North and South America, while managing the local office and keeping up with current market trends. For the past 3 years and a half year, I have been at Luzar Trading. We export corn, wheat and soybeans in bulk vessels into the South American Market. I am the Country Manager for Ecuador, leading sales and providing support to the Trading Desk through market analysis and weekly reports for both the futures and physical market.  

What sparked your interest in economics?  
When I was in high school, I met a friend of my father who was an Economist and ran a market research and consulting firm. After doing some research on my own I found fascinating how every single variable can be explained through supply and demand and how my math skills could be applied towards this analysis. I wasn't sure on where it would take me but was convinced that I wanted to learn more on the subject. 

How has TAMU-CC influenced your career path or helped you discover your career interests? 
TAMUCC helped me develop a number of skills, including econometrics, market analysis, developing structured and supported opinions, computer science, among others. In my Junior year, I was able to intern at the port of Corpus Christi, which motivated me to pursue a career in the commodities trading sector. My years at TAMUCC were fundamental towards the development of the professional I am today. 

What advice would you give current students pursuing careers with an economics major or minor? 
I would encourage students to get involved in various organizations and activities, as they will build connections that will help them in their professional advancement. Additionally, to start building their resume through different online courses and internships. This will be valuable when applying for their first job.  

Which economics course did you enjoy the most? 
Econometrics. It was very challenging, but I really enjoyed finding causation and correlations between different variables that helped understand and predict different events.  

BBA, Economics, TAMU-CC `18 
Forecasting and Demand Planning | Sephora   

What sparked your interest in economics? 
My interest in economics was sparked during my introductory course at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christ by Dr. Hudgins. I vividly remember a discussion about the impact of supply and demand on everyday goods and services. It was fascinating to see how economic principles not only govern markets but also influence our daily lives in ways I had never considered before.   

How has TAMU-CC influenced your career path or helped you discover your career interests? 
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi was instrumental in shaping my career path and helping me discover my interests. The faculty members in the economics department provided not only a strong foundation in economic theory but also emphasized real-world applications through engaging discussions and projects. Their support and encouragement gave me the confidence to know that I was ready to step into the career world and succeed in it.  TAMU-CC fostered an environment where I could explore my passions, build essential skills, and develop a clear vision for my future in economics.  

What advice would you give current students pursuing careers in economics? 
My advice to current students pursuing careers in economics is to stay curious. Seek internships to apply your knowledge in real-world settings, and don’t hesitate to connect with professors and alumni for guidance. 
Stay informed about current economic trends, as this will enhance your understanding and preparedness for the future. Persistence and adaptability are essential—embrace every opportunity to learn and grow.  

Which economics course did you enjoy the most? 
The economics course I enjoyed the most was Microeconomics Principles. I found it fascinating to explore how individual choices and behaviors influence markets and the allocation of resources. The discussions on consumer behavior and market dynamics were particularly engaging, as they provided real-world applications of theoretical concepts. This course deepened my understanding of how economic principles affect everyday decisions, and it sparked my passion for further studies in the field.   

MBA, International Business, TAMU-CC `21 | BBA, Economics, TAMU-CC `19 
Market Specialist | American Electric Power (AEP) Texas  

What sparked your interest in economics? 
It started through my love of politics and history. As time went, I began wanting to learn more about how human behavior and its reaction to economic agents resulted in consequences that shaped the broader economy throughout many societies over millennia   

How has TAMU-CC influenced your career path or helped you discover your career interests? 
TAMUCC has provided me with great economics professors that have guided me throughout my undergraduate career. Through them I learned the versatility and opportunities having economics degree can provide.  

What advice would you give current students pursuing careers in economics? 
Research the field. Understand the workings of your degree. Never pass up the opportunity to expand your network, conduct research, or gain valuable experience and skills. Understand your professors have your best interests at heart and are always willing to help (especially Dr. Gevrek).  

Which economics course did you enjoy the most? 
Public Finance, International Economics, Managerial Economics. 

MS, Applied Data Science, University of Chicago, `16 | BBA, Economics, TAMU-CC `05 
Healthcare Administrator and Data Science | UChicago Medicine  

What sparked your interest in economics? 
At a young age, around middle school, I was fascinated by human behavior and people's decision making, then during college a book called Freakonomics was published and it solidified my choice. Later during an undergrad internship at UW-Madison in partnership with UChicago, I read on Milton Friedman, Thomas Sowell and Gary Becker, on the Chicago School of Economics and what would later become known as behavioral economics, and I knew at that point that econ is what I needed to understand as a foundation. 

What advice would you give current students pursuing careers in economics? 
Do not get overwhelmed by mathematics, instead focus on thinking along the lines of being able to soundly answer Fermi problems and then red teaming your thesis/conclusion. It's okay to pivot. Get comfortable with data science, programming if possible. Be able to answer: when is enough? (as a maximizer and satisficer). 

Which economics course did you enjoy the most? 
Dr Yoskowitz's environmental economics course was interesting simply because it was different.