Students from Illinois State University’s Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society (BGS) and the Illinois State Students in Finance organization (ISSF) recently had the unique opportunity to visit the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The educational trip aimed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the Federal Reserve System, its role in the economy, and the career opportunities available within the institution.
During the visit, students toured the Economy Museum, a hands-on exhibit that showcases the history and functions of the Federal Reserve. Highlights included viewing a real gold bar and interactive displays that explained the Federal Reserve’s role in the U.S. economy.
An economist shared insights with the group on the current economic climate, key data trends, and projections, along with how the Federal Reserve uses data to shape policy. The students then met with Scott Trilling, the CFO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, who offered an overview of his career path, leadership philosophy, and advice for aspiring professionals.
“Company visits help students bridge the gap between theory and practice, expand their professional network, gain industry insights, and make informed decisions about their future careers,” said Chris Tamm, associate professor of finance and co-advisor to ISSF. “By visiting the Federal Reserve, students learned more about how monetary policy tools, like interest rate adjustments, are used to manage inflation, which has significantly impacted the economy in recent years.”
“Hearing from the officials at the Fed gave me a better understanding of its operations and built upon the information I learn in my finance classes,” said Nick Harfst, a senior finance major and member of Beta Gamma Sigma. “These types of experiential opportunities are what attracted me to Illinois State, the College of Business, and Beta Gamma Sigma.”
Beta Gamma Sigma and Illinois State Students in Finance are dedicated to providing students in the College of Business with opportunities for professional growth, networking, and leadership development. Membership in either organization allows students to participate in unique learning experiences like this trip to the Federal Reserve.
Students interested in joining Beta Gamma Sigma or the Illinois State Students in Finance are encouraged to visit the College of Business website or contact BGS President Nick Harfst at npharfs@IllinoisState.edu or ISSF President Vince Baldassari at vlbalda@IllinoisState.edu.
