Finance and economics major plans to apply degree to family business

Finance and economics double major Erdenetuya Batgerel began her higher education journey in Seattle, but after completing her associate’s degree, she realized that she wanted to find a college experience that was a little more involved.

“I was looking for that college campus experience, which CWU has really given me,” she said. “I also wanted to go somewhere I could get closely involved with the faculty, which is another thing Central does very well.”

Jumping into a generalized business major once she arrived at CWU from Seattle Central Community College, Batgerel’s early interactions with the faculty helped her realize that she could get even more out of her time in Ellensburg.

“In my first year here, I had the chance to talk to our former department chair, who helped me make the decision to switch from a general business major to the finance and economics double major,” she said. “A lot of professors I work with for research also help me with other things, and I would say that the faculty are the best part of the college.”

Batgerel’s goal with her education has been to build the skills she needs to help run her family’s pharmaceutical business back home in Mongolia. To that end, she has taken every opportunity to get further involved within the College of Business, becoming head of research for the Economics Association and student lead on this year’s Student Price Index, just to name a few accomplishments.

“Meeting weekly with the Economics Association has been a huge part of my time at CWU,” said Batgerel, who will graduate next month. “We learn so much from each other, and we help each other succeed.”

In addition to her work with the Economics Association, Batgerel has presented research at the CFA Institute Research Challenge and Harvard Global Case Competition, and she served as a student advisor to CWU’s Council on Investor Responsibility. As if that weren’t enough to round out her college career, she also works as an accounting apprentice with Enterprise Accounting.

“I feel really lucky to have been working as an accounting apprentice for over a year and a half now,” Batgerel said. “I love my job and my coworkers, and the day-to-day work lines up well with what I’m learning in class.”

Batgerel sees all of this work as key to her personal philosophy on succeeding in life.

“Take every chance that comes your way,” she said. “Initiating conversations with my professors and peers is what opened all these doors for me to do research and present at conferences. Once you get out of your comfort zone, everything begins to come together.”

As Batgerel takes stock of the future awaiting her after graduation, she knows she’ll always treasure the bonds she has made at CWU.

“I’m going to miss the people here most of all,” she said. “My friends, my professors, and my coworkers have all had such a special impact on my life, and I will cherish those memories forever.”

In reflecting on the path that brought her here, Batgerel finds it lined with enthusiastic supporters who have helped her lay the foundation for a successful future.

“I want to give a shout out to my former department chair, Toni Sipic, my finance professor, Vin Thomas, my supervisors Trent and Melissa, and my friends. You guys are the people who helped me build my memories here at CWU, so thank you.”