Careers using economics and analytical skills

A career using economics is not limited to being an economist, nor is economics the only degree that may be accepted in many economic and analytical roles

Studying economics should give you a good grounding in the following areas depending on the modules you choose, you may also get these modules in other degrees:

  • Micro and macroeconomics, statistics & quantitative methods, mathematical modelling, techniques relevant to the finance industry, business economics, climate and natural resource economics, economic policy.

You may like the analytical nature of your degree and look for jobs that offer the opportunity to use these skills such as in finance or business development type roles. Others may be interested more in policy and understanding how changing policy will impact on the economy or the environment.

Economics is often combined with other studies such as politics, finance, history etc. These will all offer unique perspectives and the opportunity to build on the basic economic principals with additional knowledge in specialist areas.

Most undergraduates do not start their career as an economist

Employers may include

  • Government departments & local authorities, think-tanks, regulatory bodies, and international organisations such as the European Commission and the United Nations.
  • Private companies where business forecasting based on economic or social conditions will have an impact on business development.
  • Universities, lecturers and data analyst type roles.
  • Consultancies including management, economic & multidisciplinary civil engineering consultancies.
  • Banks, financial services, insurance, & accountancy.
  • Trade unions and political parties.
  • Financial journals and newspapers.

Recruiters of Economists may recruit early in the first semester so check out recruitment information including closing dates. Two of the major recruiters of Economists are the Bank of England and the Government Economic Service (GES) which recruits through the Civil Service Analytical Fast Stream