MU Assistant Extension Professor Alan Spell visited the Locust Street Building on March 9 to discuss his own career path and the many opportunities in research that are available to economics undergraduates and graduates. Hosted by Omicron Delta Epsilon’s Beta Chapter of Missouri, students in the honors society saw just how much can be accomplished without a Ph.D.

"I would say a master's is probably a darn good bet for most folks if they really want to get in that [research] space. But you can get in there with the bachelor's," Spell said. "And if you combine it with other talents, like you're a good communicator as well... We really like people who are multi-skilled."

Some ODE members are already taking advantage of Mizzou's accelerated master's program in economics, where taking graduate-level courses as an undergraduate puts students on track to get their master's in one year after graduation.

The meeting also featured free Jimmy John’s sandwiches while Spell discussed his background in economics, engineering and landscape architecture, as well as Spell's time as an economic researcher for the State of Missouri. He gave crucial insight into the importance and challenges of conducting economic research in the public sector, while also emphasizing the rewarding nature of public service and the fast-paced, data-driven environment that researchers often work in.

"I tend to tell people the ability to analyze data, no matter what profession you're in, is going to be a game changer," Spell said. "And is AI going to influence that? Yes, but right now, AI is not good enough to do that... We need to have people."

Economic research is often used by legislators, and, as Spell noted, while research does not dictate policy, it is an important step in the policy-making process. At the end of the presentation, students asked questions and engaged in further discussion with Professor Spell and each other, continuing the dialogue on life after graduation and the many rewarding things economists can do with their degrees.

"You've got a great foundation with the skills that you've developed in university. And I know it's a different world now with all these applications... Work those contacts if you can, because those networks really do pay off. And put your technical skills up front," Spell said. "If you're a go-getter, you're going to land something."