Economics involves experiential learning both on and off campus

Brandon Toribio didn't feel like a traditional student. He graduated from Sunrise Mountain High School and went to Minnesota State Community and Technical College for two years, where he met Darrin Grubb, an adjunct professor who teaches at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

“He really encouraged me to bet on myself,” Brandon says, “even though I have a background, I feel like doesn't really fit the traditional student. He made a really big impact on my academic career.” 

BS in Economics

Brandon is a senior at MSUM majoring in economics, pursuing minors in accounting and psychology.

"Professors really care about your learning and want you to succeed in the classroom,” Brandon says. "They're all very passionate about students and their own work."

In November, he and other members of the Economic Society attended the National Association for Business Economics TEC2025 Conference in Seattle, Wash. The conference focused on developments within economics, technology, and data science. Economists and researchers from academia (MIT, Stanford, University of Chicago, etc.) and the private sector (Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta, Netflix) presented research findings and offered industry projections related to the impact of artificial intelligence.

"We got a lot of attention, because you don't really get to see undergraduates at those places," he says.

Brandon is also a member of DECA. "When I went to the state DECA competition, I scored first and second place in both categories I competed in.” His chapter was in the top 10 chapters recognized by Collegiate DECA, out of 220.

Brandon gets additional hands-on experiences through Student Senate, learning about how the university operates, going through budgets and policy discussions, being able to talk with administration about student issues, and focusing on advocacy. "I found that I have a passion for being able to help people, and helping other students has given me a lot of satisfaction," he says.

Brandon wanted to make an impact during his last year at MSUM, so he became a learning community mentor, sharing advice and helping incoming students. “I want to prepare them for their university career and the professional world." Being in positions like these is fulfilling for Brandon and allows him to love what he's studying.

When Brandon moved here from Peoria, Ariz, part of his transformation was building confidence in himself.

“At MSUM, I really found myself thriving. It was pretty monumental to my growth. I am surprised by who I’ve become since I first started college.”