Are you interested in identifying the wide range of individual and social problems that arise out of the conflict between the demand for goods and services and a limited supply of resources for satisfying those demands? If so, then a degree in Economics might be for you. A degree in Economics provides the fundamental building blocks for many careers.

This list is not exhaustive but provides an idea of the options Economics graduates have and what potential careers an Economics degree can offer. Some options are more directly associated with Economics than others.

  • Accountant
  • Actuary
  • Agricultural Economist
  • Bank Research Analyst
  • Claims Adjuster/Examiner
  • Commodity Analyst/Trader
  • Compensation Coordinator
  • Construction Estimator
  • Consumer Credit Manager
  • Credit Analyst
  • Credit/ Loan Administrator
  • Demographer
  • Economist
  • Editor
  • Financial Analyst
  • Financial Researcher
  • Foreign Correspondent
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Government Economist
  • Health Policy Planner
  • Historical Researcher
  • Hospital Administrator
  • Institutional Researcher
  • Insurance Agent/Broker
  • International Trade Specialist
  • Investment Banking Analyst
  • Investment Counsellor
  • Journalist
  • Labour Relations Specialist
  • Lawyer
  • Lobbyist
  • Market Analyst
  • Media Buyer
  • Planner
  • Policy Advisor
  • Professor
  • Purchasing Agent
  • Researcher
  • Securities Broker
  • Statistician
  • Stockbroker
  • Tax Economist
  • Teacher
  • Transportation Planner
  • Underwriter

 

NOTE: Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education, or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description and overall background of some of the careers mentioned above, refer to Job Bank’s Trend Analysis tool by typing the job title into the search engine.  

 

Additionally, consider visiting the Career Cruising website. To locate the university’s username and password, you must login to Experience York using your Passport York information. It can be found under the “Career Education & Development” drop-down menu on the left then under “Career Development Tools”. 

A background in Economics ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges.

Core Economics Skills

  • Knowledge of the economy from both micro and macro perspectives
  • An understanding of social behaviour and institutions that are involved in the allocation of resources
  • The analytical skills necessary for understanding and solving complex economic problems related to production and consumption in a variety of national and international settings including product, labour and capital markets
  • The ability to evaluate economic theories and interpret economic behaviour through the use of data and empirical testing

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

  • The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements
  • An ability to organize, understand and analyze new sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
  • An ability to prepare oral and written presentations and reports using current data and technology
  • The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
  • The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of each argument
  • The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas

Management and Teamwork

  • The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
  • Logical thinking skills and the ability to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
  • Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
  • The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
  • The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Knowing an industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.