Business & Entrepreneurship

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Business & Entrepreneurship

If you are planning to enter the business world, or are interested in careers in fields like finance, banking, management, human resources, or marketing…

St. Olaf is your place

Photo: Ole Alum Chau Truong ’24, founder of Tin Tea in Northfield, MN

Students with an interest in business often major in economics and consider an area of emphasis. You can also consider a Business and Management studies program, which involves courses in financial accounting, management, entrepreneurship, marketing, investments, corporate finance, business law, etc.

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Academic opportunities for incoming students include the Finance Fast-Track, designed to provide incoming students with the opportunity to access an accelerated course progression in order to prepare them for certain competitive careers in finance.

47%

of recent Ole grads start their careers in business.

Economics is the 3rd most popular major for St. Olaf graduates

100+

Oles who had internships in business-related fields in 2022-23

Finance Fast-Track

The Finance Fast-Track is designed to provide incoming students with the opportunity to access an accelerated course progression in order to prepare them for certain competitive careers in finance.

Photo: Oles visiting the new york Stock exchange during a connections trip

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Why study economics at St. Olaf?

Economics is the study of how people and organizations make decisions, how they interact with each other, and how institutions and policies can be designed to improve people’s lives. The ambition of those who study economics is to understand the world around them both as it is and as it ought to be. We offer areas of emphasis for more focused study in finance, international economics, management, and public policy.

Serves as excellent preparation for careers in a wide variety of fields, including economic analysis, banking, consulting, health administration, finance, business management, teaching, and international affairs. The major also provides a solid foundation for students wishing to pursue graduate studies in economics, business, public policy, and law.

What can I expect to learn?

Knowledge of economic theories and institutions in both microeconomics and macroeconomics.
The ability to find, interpret and utilize economic information and data.
The ability to identify and analyze complex problems and arguments using the tools and methods of economics.

Why study business and management studies at St. Olaf?

The study of business and management prepares students to meet the challenges of an ever-changing, global marketplace by providing an interdisciplinary approach to developing skills and knowledge in ethical decision making, effective communication, problem solving, teamwork, and leadership. Business and management studies connects theory and practice to prepare students for careers in domestic and international business, not-for-profit and governmental organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures.

This is a multidisciplinary program offering a contract concentration in business and management studies that can be earned in conjunction with any B.A. academic major.

What can I expect to learn?

An understanding of the major functional disciplines: business, management, marketing, finance, and accounting.
Competency in business writing and presentation skills.
An understanding of ethical practices in organizations.
The ability to use different methodologies for recognizing, analyzing, and solving problems in an organizational context (critical thinking).
The ability to work effectively in teams to accomplish organizational goals.