Features

Issue VI

Dear Reader,

Thank you for taking the time our of your rambunctious life to stop and enjoy the words we put from pen to paper. Some may say you are stopping to smell the roses that the Features column has to offer. Whether you are interested in the world of private credit or sports betting, the Features column has it. The extraordinary time and effort the writers have put into these magnificent pieces before you is nothing short of amazing. That is why in a day and age when we have the world at our fingertips, it is humbling that you have chosen to spend your time with us. We not only write for ourselves, but for our audience: you. Without further ado, thank you and enjoy.

Dear Reader,

Jacob Braunstein ‘23
Executive Editor of the Features Column

Issue V

Dear Reader,

Welcome bibliophiles and readers alike.

Before you lies the splendid collection that is the Features column of the Wesleyan Business Review Issue V. As you turn the page, you may find refuge from articles that focus on more traditional economic concepts. Learn about the inner workings of the soccer transfer market or Mark Cuban’s audacious plan to bring down big pharma. Enjoy the fruits of our amazing teams labor as you delve into the fallout of commercial real estate during times of high inflation or the tricky business of salary management in the National Hockey League. Whatever stirs your curiosity, we are happy to have you. In the process, we hope you gain an appreciation of the collection of works before you as much as we enjoyed the process of creating them. In a world as busy as ours, every second counts. Spending the time to read our precious pieces means more to us than you know. Our writers would not be able to do what they do without you, the readers. Without further ado, thank you from the bottom of our pens and enjoy.

Jacob Braunstein ‘23
Executive Editor of the Features Column

Issue IV

To you, the audience:

The features column is just that: Features. The literature before you are those that do not fit into any other column: miscellaneous creations that draw little connection from turning the page. While exploring this column, you may read about the complex business of healthcare on one page and the economics of personal decision-making on the next. As you delve into this rollercoaster of a column, form connections between the economics of each issue, no matter how unique each topic may seem from the next. Alternatively, do not think too hard and simply enjoy the content. Either way, the thoughtful writers put forth incredible efforts to create the collection before you. So, thank you to our exceptional writers. And to you, our readers, we thank you for making what we do so fulfilling.

Jacob Braunstein ‘23
Executive Editor of the Features Column

Issue III

Dear Reader,

The circumstances of this past year altered the economy for the long-term, in ways we both anticipated and were taken aback by. Rising inequality was a recurring theme in economies around the world, only further exacerbated by the pandemic. Work-from-home and increased leisure time led to a rise in retail investors who were able to make massive, unprecedented changes in the markets. A rising popularity in SPACs, a cheaper and faster alternative to the traditional IPO, has also moved markets in ways no one anticipated over the course of the pandemic. All of these changes make it clear that our society is no longer the same as it once was in 2019, for better or for worse. Despite these innovations, there are still systemic issues as old as time in our economy - gender, racial, and environmental inequality. Perhaps the pandemic pushed us to become innovative and creative in the face of disaster; perhaps the pandemic was the final trigger, one that revealed the much deeper infection of inequality that has been spreading for decades. Of course it cannot be underscored the excellent hard work of the writers in the Features Column. Without your dedication, this column would not have been possible.

Sincerely,

Kat Hubbard ‘22
WBR Features Column Executive Editor (Column Leader)

Issues I & II

Due to Issue I not having dedicated Columns, the Wesleyan Business Review has designated Issues I articles deemed as part of this column together with Issue II.

Dear Reader,

When creating this publication, we saw a clear need to speak specifically to the experience of students and other members of the Wesleyan community. While our writers had different interests, I believe this collection of articles helps to paint a picture of the recent challenges faced by our school community at large. From our students to our administration, to the other hardworking people central to our university’s identity, we all face challenges - especially in 2020. While this column is exhaustive by no means, it does provide a deeper understanding of a few major challenges which have shaped the 2020 Wesleyan experience. I hope you enjoy the features!

Sincerely,

Christopher Textor ‘22
WBR Features Column Leader