A Day in the Life of an Economic Development Intern: Chatting with Marin Moss
Meet Marin Moss, an intern at the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council (EDC) and a student at Illinois Wesleyan University. Marin is majoring in entrepreneurship and economics, and her internship is giving her hands-on experience in shaping the future of rural communities. We caught up with Marin to learn about her work, what she’s learning, and why economic development is so important for improving quality of life.
Why Illinois Wesleyan and Why Economics?
Marin chose Illinois Wesleyan University for its small campus and close-knit community feel. She appreciates the personal connections she’s built with her professors and peers, which have made her studies in entrepreneurship and economics even more engaging. The practical side of economics, especially how it impacts local communities, is something that really excites her.
What She Does as an Intern
As an intern at the Bloomington-Normal EDC, Marin’s main focus is on creating demographic profiles for rural communities. These profiles help the EDC understand things like population trends, economic strengths, and potential areas for growth. To bring these numbers to life, Marin uses Canva, a design tool, to create data visualizations that make complex information easier to understand. It’s a perfect blend of economics and creativity!
What’s She Learning About Labor Economics?
One thing Marin has learned during her internship is the importance of labor economics—essentially how the workforce impacts a community’s growth. Whether it’s job availability, wages, or workforce development, understanding these dynamics is key to helping communities thrive. Rural areas, in particular, face challenges when it comes to attracting and retaining talent, and Marin is gaining firsthand knowledge of how economic development can address these issues.
Why Economic Development Matters
For Marin, economic development is about more than just numbers. It’s about improving people’s lives. By supporting local businesses, attracting new ones, and improving infrastructure, economic growth leads to a better quality of life for everyone. She’s seen this in action in Bloomington-Normal, a community known for its rich food culture and local attractions that help bring people together and support the local economy.
The Power of Community Engagement
Marin’s experience has shown her how community engagement plays a huge role in successful economic development. It’s not just about attracting new businesses—it’s about making sure the businesses already in the area thrive. When local residents, business owners, and policymakers work together, that’s when communities really begin to grow and prosper.