What jobs can you do with an economics degree?

Economics graduates are qualified to work in a wide range of roles, from economists to data analysts, financial planners to land and property valuers. A degree in economics develops highly transferable skills in problem solving, data analysis and numeracy – all of which are in high demand across the business world.  

What is economics? 

Economics is the study of how wealth is created and distributed, goods and services are manufactured and the way they are consumed. Students learn about both macroeconomics – how national economies are structured, regulated, grow and perform – and microeconomics. Microeconomics is concerned with how individuals respond to changes in prices, the availability of resources and methods of production.  

Job options for economics graduates

Economist 

Economists study complex data and statistics and use their findings to provide financial advice to businesses. As an economist, you would be researching and monitoring economic trends, creating statistical models to predict future developments. Employers depend on economists to advise them on the potential impact of policies and investments. 

Land and property valuer 

Land and property valuers give professional advice to individuals and businesses who buy, sell, and rent land and property. In this job you will be estimating the market value of land, buildings and real estate, helping clients maximise their profit from the sale or rent of their property. You will be organising auctions, carrying out valuations, offering investment appraisals and writing reports.  

Learning and development manager 

Learning and development managers handle the training and professional development of company employees. They work closely with business managers and human resources departments to design and implement training and development programmes, such as inductions and appraisals. Learning and development managers manage budgets, produce training materials and evaluate the training and development needs of staff.     

Accountant 

Accounting and finance staff keep track of the money that comes in and goes out of a business. As an accountant, you would be managing a business’s cash flow, keeping financial records, producing reports and forecasts, as well as overseeing payroll, tax and VAT submissions. Many accountants work across a range of different industries, whilst others specialise in a particular sector. 

Starting a career in economics

Work experience 

Work experience is seen by employers as a major factor in employability, and it is no different for economics graduates.   

A degree in economics will usually take three years and does not have a work placement year. Students or graduates will have to try and find placements or internships in their summer holidays or at the end of their course – this helps you gain valuable work experience and develop your business skills. You could be working as a professional economist or any of the roles above.  

Graduate opportunities 

If you study economics you can look forward to a huge variety of opportunities when you graduate. You could choose to stay in education and take a Masters degree or PhD, or start making job applications. Economics graduates are among some of the highest paid entrants to the jobs market because of the broad range of applicable and transferable skills they can bring to an employer.