Bachelor’s in Economics
Hannah Asgharifard ‘16
What have you been doing since you graduated from Valparaiso University?
While at Valpo, I double majored in economics and mathematics with a minor in statistics. Since graduating from Valpo in 2016, I got a M.S. in biostatistics from Indiana University. After receiving my master’s degree, I moved to Metro Detroit to start my career in the health insurance industry. In April 2021, I started a remote position at BCBS of MN as senior risk adjustment analyst.
How has your experience in the Economics department at Valparaiso University helped you to navigate your post-graduation academic or professional career?
My experience with the economics department has helped me navigate to my professional career. Throughout the job search process, I found jobs that utilized my biostatistics but also economics degrees and utilized SAS.
What Econ courses that you took as an undergrad were/are valuable during your time at VU and beyond?
The courses that I took in the economics department taught me how to look at the world with an analytical mind.
-Econometrics was the first course I took that sparked my interest in what statistics can do and it really catapulted me into finding my niche.
-Economics of Race and Gender has helped me throughout my career to understand the fundamentals of disparities and the Social Determinants of Health.
-Applied Data Science is the course that prepared me most for what working in analytics looks like daily.
What advice do you have for current students aiming to follow in your professional path?
Take all the programming classes that are available, I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to take a multitude of SAS classes while at Valpo. The skills I learned while at Valpo I have used every day throughout furthering my education and my career thus far.
