Inspired by The River Runs Black

Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. Specifically, how will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Science (CALS) and Cornell University help you achieve your academic goals?


"Wealth without virtue is no harmless neighbor." -Sappho

How businesses and corporations balance the virtue of giving back and profit-seeking is one of my greatest fascinations. For example, the American company Tom's donates a pair of shoes for each pair sold. Other companies with less socially responsible business models, according to Elizabeth C. Economy's The River Runs Black, led to environmental degradation in China, public health issues, social unrest, economic loss, and eventually the environmental protection of economically important regions and damages in others. How do companies strategize, allocate resources, and analyze consumer behavior to benefit both the company and the community? How do managers in regulatory economies balance profit and damage to the environment and company reputation? I am interested in exploring the opportunities and pitfalls of sustainable business and learning about the complexity and linkage among business functions and the community. Therefore, I am interested in the Applied Economics and Management major, with an Applied Economics or Strategy concentration, and possibly a minor in Development Sociology.

My interest in management solidified when I started my own Food for Hire community...

Join Now to View Premium Content

GradeSaver provides access to 2317 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 10989 literature essays, 2755 sample college application essays, 918 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in