<aside> 📈 The UCSB Department of Economics is home to 2,000 undergraduates and over 600 Economics graduates each year, representing one of the largest majors within the College of Letters and Science. UC Santa Barbara does not have a business program, so business-minded students choose the Economics major to pursue relevant careers.
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I started my undergraduate career as an Economics major after falling in love with the subject in my senior year of high school. While I enjoyed the introductory courses I was taking, I found it difficult to make friends or connect with my peers, who were predominantly analytical and, well, male. To remedy the situation and balance my skillset, I added the Communication major and began my journey as a double major.
Soon after adding the Communication major, I had the incredible opportunity of joining the Department of Communication Social Media team. While I had not taken an in-person course, I found that the community and banter (even virtually) was something special. As someone who had struggled with belonging in the Department of Economics despite my love for the discipline, I wanted to bring the same opportunity for banter to my day-one major.
Returning to campus in Fall 2021, I walked into Economics Undergraduate Advising and pitched my idea of doing the same thing for the Department of Economics, which had continued to fragment and disconnect throughout COVID-19 lockdowns. The idea was approved, and @ucsbecon was born!
The Instagram account now has over 800 followers, almost half of the undergraduate population. Posts include registration deadlines, tutoring opportunities, guest speakers, and other event opportunities.
As one of the most popular majors at UCSB, the Department of Economics does not really require awareness campaigns for registration deadlines or events. Instead, administration requested that I “humanize” the Department with fun graphics, merchandise, and opportunities for engagement. Some accomplishments include:
Below are some examples of the multi-channel graphic design work I have created throughout the years:
Catch-all informational poster for prospective UCSB Economics students at Open House
Branding and logo concept for Microeconomics Podcast (recorded with small microphone)
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Promotional posters for economics ethics courses to be printed and hung in North Hall (main Economics classroom and office building)
Accounting-themed sticker based on iconic British public transport phrase “Mind the Gap” — GAAP refers to the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
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Economics-themed sticker playing on the “dangerous” nature of studying economics
Promotional flyer for Strategic Investment Program
Other than the above responsibilities, I am responsible for: