At Laurentian University, students in the Economics program dive into the fascinating world of decision-making, market trends, inflation, unemployment, and the forces that shape global trade.
Students are inspired and supported by the Economics faculty who are innovators in research and make the classroom a launchpad for discovery by delving into issues that impact Northern Ontario and beyond.
Gateway to opportunities
An Economics degree from Laurentian is a passport to understanding the world. Students have the option of specializing with a 3 or 4-year Bachelor of Economics degree or majoring or minoring in the subject area. Jayden Zelinsky is 4th year student who veered off the path he was taking to become an engineer because his elective course professors at Laurentian sparked his interest in Economics. Zelinsky says, “Economics was interesting because it touches so many aspects of study. I dove into it by taking a full course load and I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Economics Professor Brian MacLean, Academic Advisor for Economics students says, “Students are encouraged to think critically and creatively, which equips them with the skills employers demand, opening doors to rewarding careers in business, finance, and the public sector.” Zelinsky, who will be graduating in the spring with a specialization in Economics, plans to enter the banking industry.
Economics students have an edge
At Laurentian, the Economics program class sizes are small allowing students not to get lost in large lecture halls that hold hundreds. Jayden Zelinsky says, “My first-year class was about 40 students, while in the following years, some of my classes got smaller, which gave me the opportunity to have conversations with professors. In a large class it would be much more difficult to that one-on-one time or direct support.”
Laurentian professors are mentors with open-door policies, and they have a genuine interest in their students. Zelinsky says, “The professors are wonderful. Students receive personalized attention. In our classes, we discuss current issues such as inflation and the potential impact of Donald Trump’s tariff threats. The education that I’ve received so far goes beyond opening doors to a job. It allows me to be informed about current issues and their impacts.”
The faculty has received impressive feedback from other universities that have accepted Laurentian Economics students in their MA program because Laurentian offers some undergraduates an opportunity to gain experience as teaching assistants. Dr. MacLean says, “At larger institutions, undergraduate students would not get such experience, and we can do that because of our smaller class sizes.” Jayden Zelinsky is Dr. MacLean’s teaching assistant.
Illuminating insights
Meanwhile, the Economics Department faculty are trailblazers in the kind of research that sheds light on issues that matter to Northern Ontario and beyond. Economics Professor David Robinson undertook a project to find out how many mining supply and services companies there are in the Greater Sudbury region. Robinson says, “The big surprise is that there are about 350 firms providing goods, technologies, and services to mining companies across the globe. This sector employs about 15,000 people and is every bit as significant as mining in Northern Ontario and possibly even more dynamic.”
Professor Robinson has redefined how the region views its economic backbone and potential for growth. He was the catalyst behind Laurentian University’s School of Architecture which came out of an analysis on the economics of timber and the forestry industry.
Professor Sadequl Islam is currently conducting a study along with colleagues from Nipissing, Algoma, and Lakehead Universities that looks at why many graduates stay in Northern Ontario while others leave. Professor Islam says, “The study invited students to share their intentions, hopes, and reasons for staying or leaving the area and so far, it paints an intriguing picture. It shows promising signs for Sudbury in that 47% of Laurentian students surveyed plan to stay in Northern Ontario following graduation, while 64% of Cambrian College graduates plan to establish a career in the region.”
Only 24% of students at Lakehead in Thunder Bay want to remain in the north. The variations may be because students in Sudbury see better job opportunities. A majority of respondents indicated that they had applied for jobs in Northern Ontario. Such data provides the opportunity for policymakers, the business community, and interested stakeholders to do more to make Northern Ontario a magnet for young professionals.
Shaping futures
At Laurentian University, students enrolled in the Economics program aren’t just numbers. The small class sizes create an intimate learning environment that allows them to interact with their professors who are genuinely invested in their students’ success. The faculty are mentors who help guide students to opportunities that align with their ambitions.
Economics students have the chance to step into leadership roles and gain experience that sets them apart in graduate schools and in the job market. Laurentian’s Economics program can be a launchpad to lifelong curiosity and a rewarding career.
Discover the educational opportunities and career possibilities at Laurentian University’s Department of Economics online here.