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Career Opportunities with a Major in Economics

Many jobs require a college educated individual. College graduates can use their education in a wide variety of occupations.

Economics is the scientific study of the allocation of scarce or limited resources among competing uses. The study of economics provides specialized and general knowledge of the operation of economic systems and institutions and a knowledge of fundamental economic principles with an emphasis on the basic operation of a market system. This training is extremely valuable to the student regardles of the career objective. Specialized courses provide the student with a fundamental knowledge of domestic and foreign economies and the quantitative tools needed to apply economic theory and economic analysis in business, legal, and governmental decision making. Such skills are essential for positions as professional economists, the pursuit of graduate studies in many business-related feilds, or admission to law school. While most positions as a professional economist require graduate training, employment opportunities are available in local, national, and interanational business; local, state, and federal government; and in various nonprofit organizations.

 

SKILLS RELATED TO ECONOMICS

  • Ability to precisely examine, analyze and interpret data

  • Ability to think critically and active listening skills

  • Research skills

  • Ability to give advice on business

  • Investigative skills

  • Ability to prepare and write reports

  • Sound decision-making abilities

  • Proficient in oral and written communications

  • Knowledge of economic theory, history, practices, and trends

  • Ability to operate and use information derived from computers

  • Knowledge of statistical procedures

  • Interest in economic and fiscal trends

The following list is a representative sample of job titles for individuals with an economics major. The list represents some, but certainly not all, careers which economics majors may consider.

Some of these jobs also require education beyond a bachelor's degree.

 

Accountant Account Executive Actuary
Appraiser Auditor Bank Manager
Bank Representative Budget Analyst Buyer
Claims Adjuster Controller Credit Analyst
Credit / Loan Worker Economist Entrepreneur
Financial Analyst/Planner Foreign Service Officer Historian
Economist Internal Revenue Agent Labor Relations Specialist
Land Use Economist Manager Market Research Analyst
Mutual Fund Representative Politcial Scientist Purchasing Manager
Regional Economist Risk Analyst Sales Forecaster
Securities Analyst Stockbroker Systems Analyst
Tax Examiner Technical Writer Trust Officer
Urban/Regional Planner Financial Manager Insurance Underwriter
Loan Officer/Counselor Brokerage Cerk CEO
Market Surveyor Insurance Sales Agent Real Estate Broker
Public Relations Specialist    

 

EMPLOYERS IN ECONOMICS

  • Labor Unions

  • Market Research Firms

  • Personnel Supply Services

  • Investment Firms

  • Civic/Taxpayer Associations

  • Computer and Data Processing Services

  • Advertising Agencies

  • Environmental Associations

  • Healthcare Institutions

  • Industry and Trade Associations

  • Insurance Industries

  • Management and Public Relations Firms

  • Public Relations Firms

  • Colleges/Universities

  • Professional Journals

  • Regional Planning Councils

  • Government Agencies

  • Insurance Companies

  • Banks/Savings Institutions

  • Political Action Groups

  • Chambers of Commerce

  • Securities Firms

  • State and Federal Governments

 

WEB SITES RELATED TO ECONOMICS

Metro State Department of Economics Website

 

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS FIELD

The above information is collected from alumni surveys of numerous colleges, professional associations, and multiple web documents.