The Federal Reserve Challenge Team
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The Fed Team is a tryout-based team comprised of two cohorts: the Research team and the Presentation team. Tryouts run in the early spring and follow a two-step evaluation process.
Begin watching the Department email chain for important updates regarding the exact timeline at the beginning of the Spring semester. You will be invited via email you are invited to attend an initial info session.
The tryout season begins with the information session hosted by the current presenting team, where prospective candidates learn about each phase of the competition and the time commitments required. Following the session, interested students can sign up to receive a curated set of foundational study materials.
After approximately two to three weeks of independent preparation, team captains administer a traditional written exam to evaluate economic literacy and determine eligibility for the Fed Team.
Students who pass the written exam may opt into the second stage of tryouts for a spot on the presenting team. In this phase, candidates prepare a brief presentation on a subtopic covered in the study materials and deliver their analysis to team leadership and alumni. Following the presentation, evaluators conduct a rigorous Q&A session focused on the candidate's chosen topic. Team leadership then deliberates and notifies presenting team candidates directly by phone.
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Once selected for the presenting team, students begin intensive preparation promptly after the spring semester concludes. Throughout the summer, faculty advisor Professor Colman and the student team leads host approximately three virtual lectures per week covering advanced macroeconomic theory, monetary policy mechanisms, and current financial conditions. To maximize the value of each session, team members are expected to complete thorough readings and data analyses in advance, laying the groundwork for rigorous discussion and building the analytical foundation needed for the fall competition season.
For students who were selected for the Research team, the summer commitment is designed to accommodate a more flexible schedule while still building core economic competency. Research team members attend a weekly virtual lecture that covers the same macroeconomic and monetary policy material as the presenting cohort, presented at a broader, foundational level. This allows members to develop strong analytical skills, support the presentation team's background research, and gain essential preparation for future tryout cycles without the intensive pace of multiple weekly sessions.
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As the fall semester begins, the Fed Team shifts focus to producing official presentation materials for the initial regional round of the College Fed Challenge. The presenting cohort, supported by the research team, synthesizes the latest macroeconomic data to draft the formal script, design slide decks, and formulate a cohesive monetary policy recommendation. Teams that achieve top regional placement advance to the national finals hosted by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington, D.C. In preparation for nationals, students undergo intensive mock Q&A sessions with faculty and alumni to master real-time defense of their macroeconomic outlook, financial stability assessments, and policy stance before a panel of Federal Reserve economists.
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The Faculty Advisor for Fed Team is Greg Colman.
The 2026-27 Fed Team captains are Gianna Beck and Alex Tuosto.
The 2026-27 presenting team also includes: Isabelle Deeb, Jade Wood, Vansh Kaushal, Marissa Vetsas, Anthony Jarama, Emina Bogdanovic, Okan Vural, Oliver Ng, Jake Cino, and Khan Mamatov
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Participating on the Fed Team offers students an unparalleled edge in academic rigor, career readiness, and personal development:
Advanced Monetary Policy Mastery: Students explore the intricate mechanics of monetary policy—such as the Federal Reserve’s ample-reserves framework, balance sheet policy, and real-time macroeconomic indicators—at a level of depth that goes far beyond standard undergraduate coursework or the Economics Core Classes.
Executive Public Speaking & Defense: Presenting formal policy recommendations and answering spontaneous questions from Federal Reserve economists trains students to think on their feet, communicate complex data with poise, and speak with confidence under pressure.
Competitive Interview & Career Preparation: The intensive analysis and high-stakes Q&A prepare members exceptionally well for technical interviews across investment banking, asset management, economic research, and consulting, while demonstrating proven teamwork and analytical depth to employers.
Academic Credit: Members have the opportunity to earn three economics elective credits for their participation and coursework, integrating team preparation directly into their degree progress.
Extensive Alumni & Professional Network: Students join a tight-knit community with direct access to a dedicated network of Fed Team alumni and industry professionals across New York City who actively mentor members and open doors to internships and full-time roles.
