"Take your time choosing a major. It's helpful to know what area you want to go into (business, science, art, etc.). Take the general education and college requirements so you get a feel for your options. Attend some of the meetings of different academic clubs to explore what different majors do in the career fields. And always keep in mind that you are not confined to careers only within your major. Economics majors do not always become economists, there are many different career paths that I can choose and I like that freedom."
Howard has served as a staff economist in the Office of Management and Budget in Dayton, and as assistant director of the City-Wide Development Corporation. She served as vice president of Society Bank from 1982 to 1991, and president and chief executive officer of Concord-Renn Company, a tool and machining company located in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1991 to 2001. In addition to her work for the Dayton Development Coalition, Howard serves on the Business Advisory Board of the Wright State Raj Soin College of Business.
Why Wright State? I chose WSU because it was inexpensive, and provided a quality education. I chose economics originally because I was good at it, found it somewhat interesting, and I wasn't sure of my career. However, as I started taking classes in my major I realized how diverse and important a degree in economics is, and I feel my major in economics will absolutely set me apart in my job search.
Tips for Success:The most valuable experience I have had here at the Business College is the opportunities offered through the Economics Club. I have attended several business events, including the Economic Summit hosted by the Dayton Business Journal, all of which have allowed me to network with professors, and members of the business community. In addition, being the President of the club has encouraged me to reach out to community members in my field and communicate with them in an effort to learn more about my major and the Dayton business community.
Leadership: I was in last year's Relay for Life with the Marketing team. I am currently a member of the Dean's Student Advisory Board, president of the Economics Club, and I was a teaching assistant for the COM203 Business Communications class which gave me invaluable leadership experience.
Internships/ Class projects: One of the classes I've taken that I feel has best prepared me for career opportunities is "Regional Economic Growth and Change". We completed several small projects and analyzes that urban economic development officials go through every day. This is also a field I am very interested in, and I feel it offered me invaluable experience, learning and skills I will use in my career.
