NC State College Fed Challenge Team – Faculty Advising & Experiential Learning Leadership

As the Faculty Advisor for the NC State College Fed Challenge Team, I lead one of the department’s most rigorous experiential‑learning initiatives. Each year, I mentor a select group of undergraduates as they step into the role of a mock Federal Open Market Committee, analyzing real‑time macroeconomic conditions, developing near‑term forecasts, and defending a monetary policy recommendation before Federal Reserve judges. The Fed Challenge is “one of the clearest ways students apply economic theory to real‑world decision‑making.”

My work with the team centers on guiding students as they analyze real‑time macroeconomic conditions, develop near‑term economic and financial forecasts, and craft a defensible monetary policy recommendation. My advising emphasizes evidence‑based reasoning, policy evaluation, and professional communication. Students work extensively with data from FRED, BLS, and BEA, learning to interpret inflation dynamics, labor market trends, GDP growth, and financial conditions. They also prepare for a demanding Q&A session in which Federal Reserve economists probe their assumptions, challenge their reasoning, and test their understanding of macroeconomic theory and policy. 

The competition follows a national structure that includes a 15‑minute presentation video, a virtual Q&A, and in‑person finals in Washington, D.C. for the top teams. Throughout this process, I coach students on building coherent economic narratives, evaluating policy trade‑offs, and communicating with clarity and precision. I emphasize evidence‑based reasoning, intellectual humility, and the ability to defend analysis under pressure—skills that mirror the expectations placed on professional economists.

This program consistently produces measurable outcomes. Students I mentor have secured internships and research positions by showcasing their forecasting work, policy reasoning, and data‑driven analysis. One student reflected that the Fed Challenge was “the first time he felt like he was doing real economist work.” That transformation—from learning economics to practicing it—is central to why I view this competition as a cornerstone of experiential learning in our department.

The Fed Challenge also aligns directly with NC State’s High‑Impact Experience framework. It integrates real‑world application, sustained mentorship, iterative feedback, and reflective learning. Through this experience, students develop durable skills in data literacy, forecasting, structured reasoning, and professional communication—competencies that translate directly into careers in consulting, analytics, finance, and public policy.

For me, advising the Fed Challenge team is not only a teaching and advising role but also a form of academic leadership. It strengthens student engagement, enhances departmental visibility, and contributes to a culture of applied, hands‑on economics education.