Career pathways and opportunities for Economics majors
Considering a degree in Economics? Here, you’ll find information on common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and the in-demand skills you’ll develop as an Economics major. You’ll also learn steps you can take as an Economics student to maximize career opportunities.
- how people interact within markets to get what they want or accomplish certain goals, through the lens of economics concepts and principles, theory and modeling approaches
- how to evaluate two or more arguments that have different conclusions to a specific economic problem
- quantitative methods and computing techniques and how to use these techniques and methods effectively to analyze data for decision-making
- Propose solutions to business and policy challenges by applying key theories and models of economics
- Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information. Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations
- Analyze data and perform cost/benefit analyses using quantitative methods and computing techniques
- Identify relationships and trends in data, and other factors affecting the results of research
- Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results
- Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables
- Forecast economic, political, or social trends
- Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques
- Data analysist or researcher
- Banking and finance, including financial analysis; commercial, retail, and consumer banking
- Insurance, including underwriting, risk management, and asset management
- Management or business consulting
To best prepare to enter or advance in your career field of interest, prioritize gaining specialized knowledge and experiences most valued by employers. This might include internships, on- or off-campus jobs, research experience, a minor, or a certification.
- Maintain a strong GPA and faculty relationships if you hope to pursue graduate study. Most “economist” roles require advanced degrees.
- Get relevant experience through internships or part time employment, whether in a bank or financial services firm, a government agency or a market research firm.
- Use research projects or become involved with one of Mason’s Research Centers to develop expertise with survey design and reporting findings from work with large amounts of data (including creating reports, charts, and graphs, and writing findings clearly).
- Enhance your qualifications through a relevant license or certification (e.g., the Society of Actuaries, the Casualty Actuarial Society, or Chartered Financial Analyst, CFA)