1. Be Curious
When I began as the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) director, I never imagined I would come to learn about topics as wide-ranging as waste management, youth hockey, international trade, and forestry. And those were just from my first year on the job! Some of the projects I’ve enjoyed the most over the years have been on topics that were not areas of interest to me initially. By fostering a sense of curiosity for even the most mundane things (who would think landfills would be so interesting?) I get to learn something new every day, and that is an amazing gift.
2. Build in time for fun
Shown in the photo are alumni Avery Wendinger, Matthew Hockert, BBER Director Monica Haynes, Nathan Brand, and Aaron Kuhn.
One of the best things about my job is having the opportunity to work with undergrads as they approach the end of their academic career and prepare for life after UMD. Mentoring undergraduate research assistants, engaging them in hands-on research, and exposing them to real-world issues is an amazing experience. But the best part of working with students is getting to know them personally and interacting with them on a day-to-day basis. Making time for fun, levity, and conversation every day makes the work seem a little bit easier.
3. Borrow good ideas
One of the benefits of being a member of our professional association, the Association of University Business and Economic Research (AUBER), is that I see examples of really great work happening all around the country. For example, the BBER’s faculty affiliate program, designed to encourage research collaborations between the BBER and LSBE faculty, was an idea directly inspired by other AUBER center members from around the country.
4. Find people you enjoy working with (and then find more excuses to work with them!)
One of the realities of being a very small department (1.5 FTE plus students) is that we often must look beyond our team for additional assistance and/or expertise. Over the years, the BBER has worked with dozens of internal and external partners on research projects. While this can at times be challenging, it also allows us to seek out partners whose missions and skills align with our own. The U of M Extension Department of Community Development is one such partner. This past year, our two departments took steps to formalize that relationship to expand the impact of our research and our capacity to take on larger projects.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want
In January 2021, after nearly a decade in downtown Duluth, our department relocated back to the UMD campus, moving into the economics department in the Labovitz School of Business and Economics. Reintegrating the BBER into the campus environment has strengthened our connection to faculty and students, fostering greater collaboration and engagement in research activities. But it never would have happened if I had not asked to move to campus (and then asked several more times). Sometimes, polite persistence pays off!
6. Pursue what interests you
Most of our department’s research is driven by requests from clients and external stakeholders. Yet occasionally, a topic comes along that interests me personally, but which doesn’t have an external champion or funding source. Looking back, these topics—such as energy efficiency, climate resilience, and the potential I-35 redesign—have led to some of our most interesting and enduring projects. These projects have helped shape regional policy and planning, demonstrating that following your passion can be both enjoyable and strategically valuable.
7. Be patient—good things take time
I will fully admit, patience is not one of my strengths. I find great satisfaction in doing things quickly. But, as the proverb goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This has been especially true at the BBER, where our mission involves engaging students in applied research. That means dedicating time to training and mentoring them, and it requires thoroughness in editing and fact-checking. Quality work takes time, and patience is part of that process.
8. Do things that make you uncomfortable
When I accepted the job as BBER director ten years ago, I was excited about the opportunity to conduct research that would inform policymakers and have an impact on the northeastern region of Minnesota. But I was not a very experienced public speaker and was absolutely terrified about the prospect of having to speak in front of large audiences or conduct interviews with the media. With practice, I have learned to enjoy (or at least tolerate) doing both. By stepping outside of my comfort zone, I’ve grown personally and professionally, honing my skills in public speaking, project management, and conflict resolution.
9. Get involved
Shortly after I began as BBER director, I was asked to serve as a member of the Duluth Workforce Development Board. I’ve served continuously for the past ten years and now serve in a leadership role. My involvement with the workforce board has allowed me to shape workforce strategies in the region, given me insights into issues that I would not otherwise have learned about, and introduced me to a wide range of people doing important work in the community.
10. Learn from those who came before you
Several years ago, our team was gifted a stack of boxes that had been in storage for years. The boxes contained piles of news clippings, letters, working documents, and reports from the BBER’s 50-year history. As we sifted through the documents, we came to realize just how much influence our department has had on the regional economy over the years. Inspired, we reached out to former BBER directors, students, and staff to learn more. Since then, we have digitized nearly 600 historic reports, written several articles about the BBER’s history, and have made all these documents available online, ensuring that our legacy and contributions to regional economic research are preserved for future scholars. Having that connection with our department’s history has given me a stronger sense of purpose in the work that we do and has shaped how I think about our future.
Over the past decade, the BBER has grown, adapted, and made a significant impact on both the university and the broader regional economy. I’ve had the privilege of leading a talented team that includes undergraduate research assistants, collaborating with community partners, and witnessing the power of research to inform policy and drive positive change. Here’s to the next ten years!