Current Job/Career:

I am a Revenue Optimization Manager (ROM) at Zillow. I have been at Zillow for about 3 years and have enjoyed every minute of it. As a ROM, it is my job to conduct strategic analysis to advance revenue and profitability of the business.

Degree’s Earned:

• Bachelor of Arts
  • Economics (Major)
  • Elementary Education (Major)

What inspired you to become an economics minor?

I was late in becoming an economics major. In fact, I did not apply for an ECON major until my second semester of senior year. My interest in economics was primarily inspired by job prospects post-college. Economics opens a lot of doors, and the learning required for a BA in Economics builds strong foundational skills in writing, research, analysis, and presentation. Economics was the best degree to get a jumpstart on my career in analytics.

How do you use the economics minor in your current career?

While I don’t practice economic theory within my current role, I find that economics has set me up for success. The technical skills learned in “quantitative methods” proved invaluable in landing my first job out of college. The research mind-set and process that was developed in economic capstone and other coursework has been very useful in creating compelling analysis that moves business segments to action. A lot of learning happens on the job, but I have no doubt that my economics major and the skills that come with it have given me an edge in the workplace.

What advice do you have for students considering a major/minor in economics?

Do it. Economics is a everything degree. It is so versatile that many different fields seek out specifically individuals with the degree. Underwriting, data analytics, finance, actuarial/risk, consulting, and auditing are just some of the fields that look for economics major’s outside of economist positions. An economics’ degree will set you up for great job prospects and the luxury to change fields as desired.