October is National Economic Education Month. To honor this, University Libraries is spotlighting Matthew James, a current Stillman School of Business student enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Quantitative Economics and Econometrics program.
Kayla Glynn, Business and Data Librarian, asked Matthew how his economic education has impacted his everyday life and how Walsh Library and Seton Hall University have supported his journey. After reading Matthew’s responses, maybe you’ll be inspired to pick an economics book from Walsh Library!
- Why did you choose your major?
Matthew’s original major was not Quantitative Economics and Econometrics but after his first economics class, with Professor Danielle Zanzalari, Ph.D., he realized that economics was a field he enjoyed learning about and a discipline he could excel at; the perfect combination. Matthew said growing up he “had a lot of questions. Not many answers, and I think economics has allowed me to answer a lot of those questions.” He encourages people to take economics classes because “Economics can help you in a conceptual way. But having the math to back it up to support it, I think it’s exactly what employers are looking for.”
- How have you experienced economic theory impacting your everyday life?
Matthew now works part-time helping his parents run their business and during COVID the landscape got very difficult. Despite the difficulties, Matthew explained that because of his economics background he understood “why things were happening, which was exciting for me at least.” Aside from work, Matthew values economics’ impacts in his everyday life because it has changed “the way that I make decisions” since knowing the concepts “can make you ask the right questions…”
- How has Walsh Library supported your journey?
Walsh Library has provided an environment where “everyone is being productive.” You can find Matthew studying on the 4th floor because it provides him with a quiet alternative to his dorm. Matthew explained that “the study rooms are my favorite part” because they offer a space that fosters learning.
- How has Seton Hall University supported your journey?
Matthew said that the most valuable resource at Seton Hall University are the people. He advises every student to build a relationship with professors in their program. Matthew has good reason for this advice since, as he explained, “the research that I’m doing now is a direct result” of the relationships he has built through his journey here at Seton Hall. Given his goal of achieving a Ph.D., building and maintaining relationships with colleagues in the field will no doubt be beneficial.
For more information on National Economic Education Month and Business resources please contact Kayla Glynn
