What can I do with a major in Economics?
Economists study the ways a society uses resources such as land, labor, raw materials and machinery to produce goods and services. They analyze the costs and benefits of distributing and consuming these goods and services.
Related occupations:
| Account Executive |
Actuary |
Appraiser/Assessor |
| Auditor |
Bank Officer |
Bank Economist |
| Buyer |
City Manager |
Controller |
| Cost Accountant |
Credit/Loan Worker |
Economist |
| Educator |
Entrepreneur |
Financial Planner |
| Foreign Service Officer |
Geographer |
Historian |
| Home Economist |
Insurance Agent |
Internal Revenue Agent |
| Labor Relations Specialist |
Trust Officer |
Market Research Analyst |
| Personnel Manager |
Political Scientist |
Real Estate Agent |
| Sales Manager |
Securities Analyst |
Sales Representative |
| Sociologist |
Statistician |
Stockbroker |
| Tax Preparer |
Technical Writer |
Urban Planner |
Possible employers of Economics majors:
| State/Federal Government |
Colleges/Universities |
| International Organizations |
Insurance Companies |
| Banks |
Department Stores |
| Market Research Houses |
Analysis/Forecasting Companies |
| Chambers of Commerce |
Labor Unions |
| Personnel Departments |
Investment Firms |
| Civic/Taxpayer Associations |
Advertising Agencies |
| Political Action Groups |
Environmental Associations |
| Fundraising Firms |
Public Relations Firms |
| Trade Associations |
Professional Journals |
| Regional Planning Councils |
Skills important for Economics majors:
- High proficiency in oral and written communications
- Strong background in economic theory and econometrics
- Ability to explain complex concepts and theories to others
- Strong analytical, organizational, mathematical, statistical and decision-making skills
Personal attributes important for Economics majors:
- Ability to adjust to frequent changes
- Enjoy research
- Detail-oriented
- Interest in economic and fiscal trends
- Objective, resourceful, curious and achievement oriented
- Possess perseverance and patience
Related activities for Economics majors:
- Do an internship
- Work part-time or volunteer as a treasurer, pollster, or salesperson
- Participate in fund-raising events
- Join a professional organization and/or investment club
- Read professional journals and publications
- Write reports or serve as a research assistant in an economics department
- Join a financial advisory board
Print Resources:
- Business Economic Careers. (pamphlet), Nation Association of Business Economists (ask for latest edition).
- Economists and Market Research Analyst. Pp. 121-124, Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Dept. of Labor, (latest edition).
- Halloran, Ed. Careers in International Business. VGM Career Books, 1996
- The U.S. Industrial Outlook (latest edition). U.S. Dept. of Commerce / International Trade Administration.
Internet Resources:
Professional Associations:
- National Association of Business Economists
- American Marketing Association
- Marketing Research Association
- Phi Chi Theta
This information was adapted from:
Fort Lewis College, Career Service’s homepage: http://cso.fortlewis.edu
