Bob Gilbreath, B.A. 1994

1994 Major: Economics

How has being an Economics graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"I believe my liberal arts experience was a strong foundation for the rest of my career and life. My economics degree helped me learn how to think, analyze and explore multiple directions. This, in turn, has helped me "invest the future" multiple times in my successful startups."

What advice would you give students in Duke's Economics programs? 

"Take as many diverse classes as possible, both within and outside of the economics major--especially with areas around where innovation is happening and classic economic theory breaks down. The core ideas are important, but the edges are where you find exciting opportunities and new ideas."