LAS Global Studies offers minor in markets and society

A new minor in the LAS Global Studies program will help students prepare for jobs in the business world where knowledge of the interactions between markets and society is increasingly in demand.

Applications are being accepted until Oct. 15 for the Global Markets and Society Minor, an 18 credit hour program that emphasizes the interrelationships between markets and society, both historically and in the present. The minor is open to undergraduate students of all majors.

The goal of the minor, which received support from the deans of both LAS and the College of Business, is to provide students with interdisciplinary knowledge to navigate global market-society relations. The coursework is designed to build historical and global perspectives around the social, economic and political forces that influence today’s marketplace.

Organizers cite several examples of when such expertise could come into play. For example, corporations are assuming increased responsibility for worker safety and the environment, and societal concerns over food safety are affecting how businesses operate and distribute their goods.

“The Global Markets and Society Minor provides an opportunity for students of all majors to connect valuable knowledge and experience gained from their coursework to their future careers,” said Tim Wedig, interim director of LAS Global Studies.

“This minor summarizes (students’) ability to contribute across the private, public and non-profit sectors, and also serves as a reminder that the College of LAS is a perfect place to assemble the varied skills that are in high demand in the marketplace,” he said.

Global business firms in areas such as consumer goods, information technology, and media are actively searching for employees with critical-thinking, communication, and cultural skills. Various studies and recent reports indicate that companies are increasingly hiring liberal arts graduates for their problem-solving abilities, intercultural and creative skills, and adaptability.

Additionally, companies are expanding overseas operations. The McKinsey Global Institute estimated that by 2025 more than 45 percent of Fortune 500 companies will be located in emerging economies, making it imperative that they have employees capable of understanding and interacting within a foreign country.

Miguel Garcia, a junior majoring in global studies, said the new minor is a perfect complement to his major.

“The fact that the business world is constantly changing, means that the way business is taught also evolves,” Garcia said. “This will hopefully give me an edge in the business world by combining traits and skills gained from business and liberal arts, and help me achieve my goal of having a successful career in global business setting.”

Students interested in the minor are encouraged to attend one of several information sessions. Organizers expect to let applicants know by early November whether they’ve been accepted, and once students complete the declaration and submit papers to their college, their records will reflect the minor enrollment effective immediately.