For the first time in program history, students in Troy University’s Economics Program in the Sorrell College of Business will represent the University at The Econ Games, a national undergraduate economics competition that challenges students to use economic reasoning and data analysis to solve real-world problems.
TROY will be one of 30 university teams from across the country competing at the University of Kentucky.
The Econ Games brings together undergraduate students to tackle a problem provided by an industry partner using real-world data. Teams determine how to approach the problem, analyze available information, develop evidence-based conclusions and present their findings to a panel of judges and industry professionals.
The competition challenges students to apply what they have learned to unfamiliar problems under significant time constraints. Students must combine economics, data analysis, critical thinking, teamwork and communication — skills they will be expected to use in their professional careers.
That applied focus is a major reason TROY Economics is participating for the first time.
“Across all frontiers, TROY is constantly proving we are competitive, whether that be in athletics, academics and now specifically in economics,” said Noah Trudeau, assistant professor of economics and co-adviser of TROY’s Economics Society. “I am excited to bring a team to the Econ Games this year and show everyone else what TROY is capable of.”
Economics provides students with more than an understanding of markets and economic policy. It teaches them to approach complex problems, identify incentives and trade-offs, work with data and use evidence to make informed decisions. The Econ Games gives TROY students an opportunity to demonstrate those skills outside the classroom while competing against students from universities across the country.
“I hope this experience pushes our students beyond what they think they can do and gives them confidence in the skills they have built at TROY,” said Manda Tiwari, assistant professor of economics and co-adviser of TROY’s Economics Society.
The Econ Games began in 2018 as an effort to create an undergraduate competition combining economics, business and data analytics. Previous industry and data partners have included Bank of America, Coca-Cola and Stata Corp.
TROY’s first appearance represents another step in the Economics Program’s effort to provide students with opportunities to apply economics beyond the classroom.
TROY’s economics degree is STEM-designated and emphasizes analytical thinking, problem-solving and the application of economic reasoning to business and societal issues. Students receive training in economic theory and data analysis while having the flexibility to pursue specializations in areas such as business analytics, marketing, entrepreneurship and risk management and insurance.
Students interested in experiences such as The Econ Games are encouraged to join TROY’s Economics Society, which provides opportunities to connect, compete and explore economics beyond the classroom.
For TROY Economics, the first trip to The Econ Games is about more than competition. It provides students an opportunity to test their skills, represent TROY University on a national stage and see how economic reasoning, data, creativity and communication can be applied to real-world problems.
For more information about The Econ Games or TROY’s Economics Program, contact Dr. John Dove at jadove@TROY.edu.