Experiential Learning Opportunities
Turn theory into experience.
Economics isn’t just something you learn, it’s something you do. At UB, we give you the chance to apply your classroom knowledge in real-world settings that build your skills and shape your future. Whether you’re interested in research, teaching, interning, or studying abroad, you’ll find plenty of hands-on opportunities to grow and explore.
Learn about:
What you'll do
Take the lead in the classroom as an undergraduate teaching assistant. Help fellow students succeed while gaining leadership and communication skills that look great on a resume.
- Lead recitation session
- Help prepare and grade quizzes
- Answer student questions and support faculty
Download the Undergraduate Supervised Teaching application (PDF) and send it to ecomain@buffalo.edu
Open to qualified students. Must apply before add/drop ends
What you'll do
Gain academic credit while working in a professional economic related setting. Students have interned at places like Merrill Lynch, M&T Bank and local government offices.
- Work 8–10 hours per week
- Complete a final report on your experience
- Be evaluated by your internship supervisor
Step 1: Explore your options
Check out internship opportunities through the Career Design Center. Look for roles that align with your interests in economics—whether that’s finance, government, research or something else.
Step 2: Get it approved
Before registering, you’ll need approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Have your internship supervisor send an email that includes:
- A detailed description of your duties
- Start and end dates
- How many hours per week you’ll be working
Download the Internship in Economics application (PDF)
Step 3: Register for internship in Economcis (ECO 496)
- The Director of Undergraduate Studies will register you after approval.
- Be sure you’re enrolled by the drop/add deadline
Step 4: Stay on track
If your internship is approved, you will:
- Keep a weekly log of your work
- Write a final report connecting your experience to economics
- Make sure your supervisor submits an evaluation at the end
Paid and unpaid internships are accepted and must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
What you'll do
Work one-on-one with faculty on real research projects. It’s a great way to dive deep into topics you care about and build academic experience for grad school or beyond.
Prerequisites
- ECO GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Completion of Microeconomic Theory 1, Macroeconomic Theory and Econometrics I
How to get started
Step 1: Find your research focus
Think about what interests you most. To find your research interests, ask yourself:
- Which class did you enjoy the most? Even if the whole course wasn’t your favorite, were there specific topics that stood out?
- In which class did you perform your best?
- What subject made you want to put in extra effort?
Step 2: Connect with faculty
Look into faculty research in your department (or others) and reach out using your UB email.
Step 3: Engage with faculty and secure your research spot
Meet with a facilty member and be ready to talk about:
- Why you want to work with them
- Which of their research projects caught your attention
- Your career goals and how this research fits into them
Step 4: Register for research
Once you’re accepted into a research project, submit an Undergraduate Research Proposal (PDF) and send it to ecomain@buffalo.edu
What you'll do
Create your own learning experience with a faculty mentor.
Prerequisites
- ECO GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Completion of Microeconomic Theory 1, Macroeconomic Theory and Econometrics I
Conntect with a faculty mentor
Reach out to a professor whose work aligns with your interests. Together, you’ll build a well-defined project or course of study that fits your goals and show future employers or grad schools what you’re capable of.
Download the Independent Study Proposal application (PDF)
What you'll do
Discover how economics works in a global context. With more than 400 SUNY programs around the world, there’s no limit to what you can learn. You will gain:
- A broader perspective on economics
- International experience that employers love
- Course credits that count toward your degree
Step 1: Explore your options
Start by browsing through more than 400 study abroad programs available through the SUNY system. Whether you're looking for a semester in Europe, a summer in Asia or a year-long adventure, there's something for everyone.
Explore Study Abroad programs
Step 2: Get expert advice
Connect with a Study Abroad advisor in 210 Talbert Hall to talk through your goals, timelines and questions. You can also reach out to Professor Opindar Kaur, who helps students find the right academic fit and make the most of their time abroad.
Experiential learning opens doors. Talk with your academic advisor and our College Experiential Learning team today about how these opportunities can fit into your economics major. You never know where they might lead.
Experiential Learning
228 Baird Hall
University at Buffalo, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
kristapa@buffalo.edu
The College of Arts and Sciences offers funding to support students. Explore Funding Opportunities.
Claire Summerell '26
Economics BA
RECIPIENT of the Paul and Christine Nussbaum Experiential Learning Innovation Fund
Make the most of every opportunity you get, no matter whether that be study abroad, research positions, internships or even classes. Use UB's opportunities to explore other interests you have, since you may not get the chance to do so after college!
- Claire Summerell
Q: Tell us more about your experiential learning opporunity you were able to do with your funding?
A: I received funding to study abroad in China at the Antai College of Economics and Management of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. I am staying at the Xuhui campus, which is located in the French Concession of Shanghai and is conveniently placed to explore the city. While studying abroad, I also wanted to take advantage of the travel opportunities in China. For example, during the fall holiday of Golden Week, I traveled to Chengdu in the southwestern Sichuan province to visit the Oriental Buddha Park and the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Once the semester is over, I am also planning to go to Beijing since I can’t imagine leaving China without having seen the Great Wall or the Forbidden City.
Q: What was your favorite part about your experience abroad?
A: My favorite part about my study abroad was the opportunity to live in a country with a culture so vastly different from anything I had experienced before. Apart from the language, I found something new to discover in every aspect of life, including food, social customs, architecture, national holidays and so much more.
I think it is incredibly exciting to be alive in an age where working, studying and traveling abroad is more accessible than ever and presents a real opportunity to expand our global understanding. However, no matter where we are in the world, I think it is always important to learn from people with cultures different from our own as we begin to navigate our current world and expand our social networks.
Q: How is it helping you with your studies?
A: The study abroad is primarily helping me with my minor in Chinese. Apart from the language course transferring as one of my requirements, the opportunity of living in China itself is helping me further develop my language skills in Mandarin since I am forced to use it in everyday life. I have also had the opportunity to enroll in economics classes that cover other interests of mine within the subject field. Furthermore, through studying abroad, I have been able to meet and connect with other economics students from all over the world.
Photo: Claire Summerell at Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding