Sam Portelli, B.S. 2012

Principal PM Manager, Azure Customer Experience, Microsoft – Seattle, WA

2012 Major: Economics; minor in Neuroscience

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

"Economics has helped me better understand human behavior and decision-making. My economics background is a lens through which I can analyze problems, make strategic connections, build solutions, and communicate outcomes."

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

"Economics is a broad field, spend the time to learn its theory and history to figure out what aspects resonate the most with you. Think about how you can apply the models you are learning about to the real world. Seek out discussions with faculty members that you can learn the most from, and build a network with your peers."

Sam Portelli