Kalik Reece, B.A. 1997

Business Owner, CEO – Philadelphia, PA

1997 Major: Economics and Sociology

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

"Economics gave me a great foundation for business. After graduating I joined IBM as an account manager. I managed large enterprise accounts. My Duke education help prepare me with a deep understanding of business and the economy which helped me excel in the Tech Industry. After 23 years in Tech, I decided to go on my own and start building my own companies. I own multiple small businesses that generate revenue over $5M annually."

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

"I had no background in Economics prior to Duke. My High School did not offer economics and my parents were not business minded people. On a leap of faith, I took an Econ 101 class and I was hooked! I found a topic that I enjoyed and could be passionate about. It literally changed the trajectory of my life! I just wish that I found Econ sooner."

Kalik Reece