UNI undergraduates leverage research projects to sharpen professional skills
UNI undergraduates leverage research projects to sharpen professional skills
The Wilson College of Business distinguishes itself by offering significant undergraduate research opportunities, a distinct advantage often reserved for graduate programs. For many students, these research experiences are not just academic exercises but crucial steps in shaping their college and professional journeys.
For J.T. Garcia ('26), delving into research began as a requirement for UNI’s University Honors Program. An avid bookworm and history enthusiast, the opportunity quickly evolved into a passion for independent learning and the concept of explaining complex ideas.
It gives you such a good opportunity to take something on your own and really form your own ideas and tell a story. At first it was something I did to get credit, but I found it fun. It lets you build class material into something you can show employers or graduate schools.
Through three research projects, Garcia explored diverse economic topics, from the intricacies of post-COVID inflation to the unique challenges of recruiting talent in the health care sector. The hands-on application of economic theory directly impacted his current internship at Wellmark in Des Moines, where he works in market intelligence and competitive strategy, researching competitors and federal laws to inform company strategy.
“Having the background of sifting through tons of information to find the right source has been the most helpful thing for me to bring back to my team,” he said.
Jadyn Milius ('24) began her research through the Honors Program, finding motivation in the freedom to explore topics she deeply cared about. This eventually led to a formal undergraduate research project. Her research on gender-based occupational segregation and earnings involved complex econometric analysis and synthesizing millions of data rows.
Milius highlighted the independent problem-solving the project demanded, particularly when navigating technical hurdles like maxing out the number of rows in Excel. Now in law school, Milius applies these skills daily.
The research helps a lot because I’ve had to do more complicated research than what a normal undergraduate class usually entails. In legal research, which is a step more complicated, it helped to have those research skills and understand that if you can’t find the right data or research, keep looking — maybe a fourth or fifth time.
Both Milius and Garcia showcased their work at the Wilson College of Business’ Jepson Undergraduate Conference on International Economics, an annual event that provides a platform for UNI undergraduates to present their findings, receive feedback and engage with faculty and peers on cutting-edge topics.
Garcia gained invaluable public speaking experience. Milius echoed the sentiment.
“It’s intimidating presenting economic research to a group of people who are experts in economics,” Milius said. “But I think it provided me with a lot of confidence afterward.”
The Wilson College of Business actively fosters these deep research opportunities, differentiating its curriculum by allowing students to personalize their academic journey and gain industry-specific knowledge long before graduation.
“Having these opportunities will be huge in preparing me for my next career or schooling,” Garcia said. “It’s not directly work experience, but you’re becoming a lot more knowledgeable about your industry, and that’s invaluable.”
