Carnegie Mellon University

Megan Yelsangikar

B.S. in Economics 
Minor in Business Administration


The Undergraduate Economics Program was the perfect home for me.  My classmates and faculty all have a curiosity for the world around us -- and an unwavering determination to make the world a better place.  Even with our diverse backgrounds and personal interests, we all unite under a common intellectual and ethical umbrella.

Why are studying economics?

I love solving puzzles, and Economics is essentially like solving a giant puzzle on how the world works! It's applicable in so many fields and to so many topics, and truly provides a versatile education.

Do you have a favorite economics course? 

Emerging Markets: It's an incredible course with an incredible professor. I loved it because it really ties in real world situations to be digested through an economics lens.

Do you have advice for incoming CMU students?

Honestly, CMU is what you make it! Choose to surround yourself with positive, uplifting people, and your college experience will be a lot more fun. Also studying is important, but make sure to take some time away from studying for self care. It's just as important.

Do you have advice for students studying economics?

Get to know your professors and your fellow econ majors! It helps a lot when you need career or class advice. Come out to the events that Kathleen (our lovely advisor) hosts, and meet other people in the major.

Describe your typical weekday morning

I usually get up around 9:00 a.m., do my whole skincare routine (face wash and serums), and scarf down some cereal and fruit for breakfast. My first class starts at around 10:30 a.m., so I'm usually out of my apartment by 10:15 a.m.

Describe your typical weekday afternoon

My afternoons are usually filled with a combination of classes and my on-campus jobs. When I'm not doing either of those, I'm usually grabbing food with friends, catching up on studying, or watching some Netflix. I also love to lounge around the grass outside Tepper (weather permitting, of course). You can often find me tabling in the UC for Global Business Brigades fundraisers as well! 

Is there something else you would like to share about your day?

Honestly, studying with my friends is one of my favorite things to do! I'm productive but still get to spend time with people I love.

Describe your typical weekday evening

My night-time routine varies greatly. When I don't have club meetings or class work, I like to see my friends and grab food off campus. My favorite restaurant in the area is Noodlehead, but I also love Turkish Kebab House on Murray. When I do have a lot of work to get done, my study location of choice is an empty conference room in Tepper. If I'm lucky, I can snag the one on the fourth floor with good views of the city. :)

Describe your typical weekend

Typical weekends for me are spent exploring Pittsburgh (I recently discovered the Candle Lab in Lawrenceville, and I love it!). You can also find me at the Manor theatre in Squirrel Hill watching a new movie, or exploring different neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. On Sundays, I have club meetings for Global Business Brigades, and chapter for Alpha Phi.