These advice and comment items are all from the 1996 survey and are essentially unedited.
ADVICE:
> Make the most of your time at Eckerd by capitalizing on all the opportunities Eckerd has to offer.
> Use all the resources available at Eckerd College. Think beyond the semester and do not limit your future job or educational opportunities. Try to tailor your courses to your interests and no one else's.
> I would congratulate them for picking a challenging, useful major, and that they should really work on their math and statistics skills, as these are the skills that will set them apart and make them more valuable in the workplace.
> Take at least one or two courses related to international economics. In today's increasingly competitive global market, it is important to understand international laws, organizations, foreign exchange, trade barriers, etc.
> I have found that additional math coursework (Matrix Algebra) would have been helpful in grad school.
> (1) Utilize ASPEC. I often think about the ASPEC program and wish I had gotten involved with this wonderful resource. (2) Consider the fact that there are very important differences between knowledge and understanding, and strive for the latter as well as the former. (3) Take to heart Tom's goal of making you an autonomous learner, and make that your goal as well. It is a very worthwhile achievement.
> Learn your Statistics, learn your Econometrics.
> There is a whole world of opportunities out there. Test yourself, look outside your familiar sphere and try your skills somewhere new; i.e., a different part of the country, or even the world.
> Take plenty of math and other analytical courses. Learn at least two other languages -- it's now or never.
> I would suggest taking a broad range of economic classes. I was focusing on Environmental Economics, but I think I would have benefited from understanding some more business related economic classes and vice versa as I have found the environment and business are closely related. It gets better after the Intro classes, stick it out.
> Work like a madman. Take copious notes. Remember that the "D" in demand tells you that it slopes "down." Don't take Malthus or Veblen seriously. Blame Alfred Marshall for turning economics into a branch of mathematics. Pester Oberhofer to include at least one Austrian in HET. If you can't derive a demand curve backwards in four languages you're not ready for Fuguitt's test (not that you ever will be).
> Internship -- volunteer, find a career that combines your values with your interests.
> Concentrate on your studies, really organize your schedule. Engage in internship programs and get summer jobs to add to your resume.
> Follow your feeling on what focus you want within the Econ. major. Take more Math courses as well as computer applications.
> Keep focus on all courses. Principles is tough to get through, but once you take elective economics courses you begin to enjoy your classes.
> If you are going to apply to graduate school, get as much quantitative and research experience as you can. It pays off! This is true for any behavioral science.
> Enjoy the education. Realize that it requires a conscious commitment, but the different course offerings provide some very interesting and fun experiences.
> Econ majors need to gain as much employment experience as possible before graduation. I would encourage juniors and seniors to explore internship opportunities.
> When it comes time to prepare papers and presentations, think of these assignments as projects you will take part in when working. Having exceptional writing and verbal skills will prove to be extremely useful. I believe that having effective communication skills is the single most important tool you can possess, above and beyond your economic knowledge.
> If they're interested in research, knowledge in computers is a MUST! The student should try to take at least one programming class. Strong analytical skills gained from a good variety of econ classes and math will most likely get you the job, but computer experience can help you get the offer first.
COMMENTS:
> I am very satisfied with my selection of Eckerd College and my major in Economics. In general, the one area that would be helpful to receive additional assistance/guidance is making the transition from educational concepts to the real world environment. While the Career Office can provide a certain level of guidance, the professors in one's major are also an excellent resource.
> I enjoyed the heck out of being the only female Economics graduate in the class of 1993 -- me and those boys!
> The whole experience was good enough to be repeated.
> I always plug EC to anyone I know who is considering an Economics major.
> Eckerd Economics faculty -- the best!
> The quality of education I received at Eckerd in the economics field helped me to be ready for the job market right after graduation.
> I am studying and training to be a midwife. As much as Econ. did not train me to catch babies, the professors taught me the value of life. I appreciate the "real-ness" of Economics and the paths it helped to expose.
> I strongly believe the Economics program prepared me for a career in the securities industry. I was given a foundation and the building blocks, now it's up to me to build.
> I very much cherish my economics education. I believe that with a few adjustments (mainly Comps), this discipline can offer something to almost anyone with an interest to learn.
> I loved every moment at Eckerd! I want to thank you for everything that you did for me!
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