Thinking about what to major in when you get to college can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. If you’re a student who loves to understand how the world works, from government policies to why your favorite sneakers cost what they do, then you might be an excellent candidate for an Economics major. Economics is one of the most popular fields of study in the U.S., with a significant number of students choosing to dive into this fascinating subject each year. Why? Because it’s a versatile degree that opens doors to a wide range of careers, from finance and data analysis to consulting and public policy.
With so many students interested, how do you make your application stand out from the crowd? Colleges aren’t just looking at your grades and test scores. They want to see genuine passion and dedication. While taking challenging courses like A-Level or IB Economics and even online courses is a fantastic start, what you do outside the classroom can truly set you apart.
Let’s talk about some of the best economics extracurriculars that complement your academic achievements and also show admissions officers that you’re genuinely passionate about the subject.
1. Join or Create a Club!
Joining an economics club at your school is a great way to connect with peers who share your interests. You can discuss a wide range of topics, from microeconomic principles like supply and demand to broader issues like fiscal policies and global trade. Many clubs also host guest speakers, organize debates, or even run mock stock market simulations. But don’t just join – commit! Staying with a club for several years shows dedication. Even better, look for opportunities to take on a leadership role, like club president or treasurer. This demonstrates initiative and responsibility, skills that are highly valued in college and beyond.
What if your school doesn’t have an economics club? Or perhaps you have a specific idea you’d like to pursue that differs from the existing club? Start one yourself! You get to define the club’s mission, recruit members, and shape the culture. This is a huge achievement to put on your college application!
And remember, you have options other than a typical economics club. Joining the debate team can sharpen your analytical and argumentation skills, which are crucial for economic analysis. Writing for your school newspaper or magazine about financial issues or local business trends is another excellent way to apply your economic knowledge in a real-world context.
Beyond traditional academic clubs, organizations such as the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) and the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) offer high school students a unique opportunity to explore the world of business and economics. These are national organizations with chapters in schools nationwide. They offer a fantastic blend of academic competitions, networking opportunities, and skill-building workshops that focus on areas such as finance, marketing, and business management. Participating in these organizations not only demonstrates your interest in the business side of economics but also helps you develop valuable soft skills, such as public speaking, teamwork, and leadership.
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2. Pursue an Internship
Economics is a broad field, and participating in an internship is one of the best ways to explore its many branches. Whether you’re interested in investment banking, finance, data analysis, or consulting, an internship provides hands-on experience that you can’t get in a classroom. It helps you define the path you want to pursue and gives you a taste of what a future career might look like.
How do you find one? Begin by reaching out to local businesses, nonprofits, or government offices. Don’t be afraid to send a professional email explaining your interest and asking about potential opportunities. Sometimes, a cold email can lead to a fantastic experience!
3. Job Shadowing
Unlike a long-term internship, shadowing someone is typically a short, focused experience, often just a day or two, where you follow a professional as they go about their workday. In an economics-related field, like banking, consulting, or data analysis, shadowing lets you see the theories you’re learning in class applied in a practical setting. This experience can be eye-opening and help you figure out if a career aligns with your interests and personality. Finding a job shadow opportunity is often about utilizing your network, so consider reaching out to your parents, relatives, or school counselors for their support.
4. Independent Economics Projects
This is your chance to take your love for economics and turn it into something tangible and impressive! While conducting research alongside a university professor is a fantastic goal and worth pursuing by reaching out to academics whose work excites you, it’s not the only way to demonstrate your passion and abilities.
There are tons of ways you can take the initiative and launch an independent economics-related project. For instance, starting a blog or a podcast is a great way to showcase your understanding of economic principles and your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. You can choose a niche that you’re particularly passionate about, whether it’s local business trends in your city, the impact of global supply chains on everyday goods, or a deep dive into historical economic theories.
Furthermore, if you have a knack for data and a little coding know-how, building an economic model can be a compelling project. You can use free software, such as Python or R, to create a simple model that analyzes a specific economic issue. For example, you could model the potential impact of a new public transit line on property values in your city or analyze how different fiscal policies might affect inflation.
5. Participate in Economics Competitions
If you’re looking for an amazing opportunity to learn about economics and gain hands-on experience, competitions are a fantastic option. There are many competitions specifically for high school students, ranging from international events like the World Economics Cup to national challenges like the National Economics Challenge. You may also find prestigious competitions hosted by well-known organizations, such as the High School Fed Challenge by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
These encompass a wide range of topics, including macroeconomics and finance, accounting, and even essay writing. This means there’s something for every student, regardless of their specific interests within the field.
Want to learn more about some of the best competitions out there? Check out our article on the Best 10 Economics Competitions for High School Students for more details!
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6. Summer Economics Programs
For high school students passionate about economics, summer programs are an excellent way to deepen their knowledge and gain insight into what college-level study is like. Prestigious universities host these programs and offer an immersive experience that goes beyond what you’d learn in a regular high school class. You’ll spend a few weeks on a college campus, taking courses, working on projects, and connecting with peers from all over the world who share your interests. Some notable programs include the Harvard Secondary School Program, the Georgetown Economics Policy Academy, and the UCLA Economics Summer Institute.
By joining these summer programs, you get a unique opportunity to dive into college-level economic topics, prepare for university life, and network with professors and peers. This experience enriches your academic knowledge while showing colleges your genuine commitment to the field, making it a valuable addition to your application.
Admission to these programs can be highly competitive, so it’s essential to present your best possible application. While requirements vary, most programs look for a few key things: a strong academic record (often a GPA of 3.0 or higher), compelling essays and personal statements that showcase your passion, and sometimes letters of recommendation from a teacher or counselor.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to extracurriculars. You can try a variety of activities to see what you enjoy most, or you can dedicate yourself fully to one or two that truly spark your passion. The key is to show colleges your genuine interest in and commitment to the field of economics.
A fantastic way to showcase your skills is through a well-structured and convincing essay. The Marshall Essay Competition is a prestigious event for pre-university students worldwide, and an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of economic theories.
The Marshall Society Essay Competition Preparation
In the Marshall Society Essay Competition Preparation, students will sharpen their economic analysis and persuasive writing skills. Students will receive personalized guidance and support so they will feel ready for The Marshall Society Essay Competition.
