Gophernomics

On today’s episode of the Gopher-nomics podcast, peer advisors Ashley and Bjorn discuss everything students need to know ahead of the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 3rd. Ashley and Bjorn cover everything from how to register to vote to what's on the ballot this year, all while highlighting the importance of making your voice heard in the upcoming election. Whether you’re voting for the first time or just needed a quick refresher, this episode will help you feel prepared to head to the polls next Tuesday!

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In this week’s episode, we sit down with Maddie, a Humphrey School of Public Affairs alumna, to discuss her career at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the path that led her to Washington, D.C. Maddie gives us an inside look at her work at the GAO, shares her experiences living and working in the nation’s capital, and offers advice for students interested in pursuing careers in government and public policy. This episode is a great listen for students curious about working for a federal agency, exploring career opportunities in Washington, D.C., or learning how to turn an interest in public policy into a meaningful career.

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In this week’s episode, we sit down with Tyler, a UMN political science and economics alumnus, to discuss his career in the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the path that led him to a career in government. Tyler shares what his day-to-day at the USDA looks like, the skills have helped him succeed and grow throughout his career, and how his background in political science and economics has shaped his work at the USDA. Tyler also offers great advice for any students interested in public policy, government, exploring careers within a federal agency, and working in Washington, D.C.

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In this episode, we sit down with Connor, a 2022 University of Minnesota economics graduate who spent three years working at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is now a first-year student at Stanford Law School. Connor gives us a glimpse into his career path, how his economics degree prepared him for his career, and what led him to pursue law school. Connor’s path offers a look at the different directions an economics degree can take you after graduation.

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In this episode, we sit down with Elena Falcettoni, a principal economist at the Federal Reserve Board. Elena shares about her career path, what she works on at the Fed, and how the skills she developed studying economics apply to her role today. She also offers advice for students preparing to enter the workforce, from building relationships with mentors to taking ownership of new opportunities. Whether you're interested in a career in economics or still figuring out what you enjoy, Elena offers a reassuring perspective: your first job does not have to determine your entire career.

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In this episode we sit down with Adi, an economics student who recently traveled to Washington, D.C. for a department-sponsored career exploration trip. Adi shares insights from visiting major institutions, reflects on what he learned about careers in economics, and discusses how the experience shaped his future goals. This is a great listen for students that may be interested in attending a career exploration trip in the future.

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Course programming changes, advice for students, and a dive into the Economics curriculum at the U

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ayca Ozdogan, Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, for a conversation about her journey into economics, her role shaping the undergraduate program, and the evolving direction of economics education. She reflects on her path from Turkey to completing her PhD at Minnesota and how her academic experiences across countries have influenced her perspective on teaching and curriculum design.

We dive into recent changes to the economics major, including more flexibility in statistics and econometrics requirements, the introduction of programming-focused coursework, and the growing importance of data skills in today’s job market. Dr. Ozdogan explains how these updates aim to better prepare students for both careers and graduate study, while still allowing flexibility across different degree tracks(BA, BS, quantitative emphasis, and business emphasis). l

The conversation also explores her research interests in game theory and public economics, including how real-world events like the 2008 financial crisis shaped her work on incentives, contracts, and reputation. Along the way, she connects core economic ideas like efficiency and opportunity cost to everyday decision-making, showing how economic thinking extends far beyond the classroom.

We also discuss student success, from choosing the right major track to building both technical and soft skills. Dr. Ozdogan shares how to think about college and careers as a long-term “repeated game,” offering practical advice on adaptability, networking, and making intentional decisions in an increasingly complex and data-driven world.

This episode offers a practical and insightful look at studying economics at Minnesota, with valuable advice for students navigating their academic paths and preparing for what comes next.

We hope you enjoy it!

Jobs, Retirement, and AI: Navigating the Future of Work

In this episode, hosts Aastik and Ashley sit down with Chris Farrell, senior economics contributor for Marketplace and Minnesota Public Radio, for a conversation focused on how people make major life and economic decisions. Farrell is the author of “Purpose and a Paycheck,” "Unretirement,” and "The New Frugality,” a columnist for PBS Next Avenue and the Minnesota Star Tribune, and host of the Heller-Hurwicz “Office Hours,” podcast.

The discussion centers on topics like retirement planning in an aging population, how students navigate job choices after college and the broader factors that shape financial decision-making over time.

Farrell shares insights on how individuals approach risk, especially when it comes to long-term security like healthcare and retirement. The conversation also explores how economic conditions and policy can influence these decisions in real, everyday ways. In addition, we touch on how AI is beginning to reshape the workplace and what that could mean for future careers.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at how economics connects to real-life decision-making and the balance between security and opportunity.

We hope you enjoy!

A deep dive into the realm of academic research and beyond

In this episode, we sit down with Professor Jo Mullins for a wide-ranging conversation about his path into economics, his research, and what life looks like as an academic. Professor Mullins shares how his early interest in inequality and social issues led him to labor economics, and reflects on his journey from Australia to pursuing a PhD at NYU and eventually joining Minnesota’s faculty. We explore his work in labor economics and human capital, including research on child development, skill formation, and how policies like childcare support and income transfers can shape long-term outcomes. He breaks down complex ideas in a very accessible way, showing how economics goes beyond markets and into everyday life, especially in understanding inequality and opportunity.

The conversation also touches on teaching, student life, and how technology and AI are reshaping learning and research. Professor Mullins offers an honest perspective on exams, assignments, and what he values most in students, along with some lighter insights into hobbies, work-life balance, and even cricket and reality TV. This episode offers a thoughtful, and behind-the-scenes look at economics as both a field of study and a career, especially for students curious about research, academia, or applying economic thinking to real-world problems.

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In this episode, we sit down with Avika Mathur, the president of the Economics Student Organization, member of the Economics Undergraduate Student Board, and a senior pursuing a BA-B (economics with business emphasis) degree. Avika shares how studying Economics at UMN has expanded both her social and academic worlds, from building community to shaping her post-graduation plans. Discover what drives this standout leader in the Economics community and learn how her undergraduate journey has influenced where she’s headed next.

We hope you enjoy it!