Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences celebrates the class of 2023! To commemorate their upcoming graduation, we’ve connected with a few seniors about their time at Weinberg College and future plans. Tanya Venkatesh will be graduating in June with a major in Economics and minors in Data Science and History.
What did you study at Weinberg College and why? If applicable, please explain if your interests transformed or evolved during your time here.
I studied Economics with minors in Data Science and History! I came to Northwestern with a passion for social development and its intersection with business and the economy. This passion influenced the elective Economics classes and the Weinberg distribution classes I chose. Over the last four years, I have found other interests in political philosophy and more recently, in historical analysis of cultures and people. I think that my Weinberg College classes have certainly broadened my academic interests by exposing me to exciting classes and inspiring professors.
Tell us a little bit about your interdisciplinary experience at Weinberg College. How did it prepare you for the future?
Taking on a Data Science minor and a History minor have complimented my theoretical Economics background by providing me with the technical skills to work with numbers and the historical knowledge of the places and people around me. The liberal arts system of education has allowed me to develop my writing, my speaking, my reading, and my analytical skills. It has created an all-rounded education that I have found invaluable in engaging with people from different academic niches.
Do you have a favorite or transformative Weinberg College course you took? Or a professor that taught you?
I loved Professors Gary Morson and Morty Schapiro’s class on Economics and the Humanities. It teaches a humanitarian approach to economic principles like alternatives and choices. Listening to their conversations taught me a lot about engaging in productive debate, how to ask questions, and what are the right questions to ask. The humanities have much to offer the field of economics, and perhaps it was taking this class during my sophomore year that led me to my history minor.
What advice would you give to future students?The best part about Weinberg College is the vast number of courses you can take. I dedicated my senior year to taking classes that I wanted to walk away from Northwestern knowing something about. Treat Northwestern as your chance to study anything you have ever wanted to know something about. Take more classes than you need! The grades you get in your class do not matter if you think you could hold a ten-minute conversation with someone about the class.
What are your plans after you graduate?I will begin my career by moving to New York City and working in management consulting! I am excited about the people I will get to meet and extending the Northwestern alumni network to the East Coast.