Economics

What can I do with this major?

Government

Area

  • Cost Analysis
  • Intelligence
  • Foreign Trade Analysis
  • Public Administration
  • Transportation Management
  • Urban Planning

Employer

  • Government departments involved in agriculture, business, finance, labor, transportation, urban economics, and international trade including: USDA, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the United Nations, and the General Accounting Office

Information / Strategies

  • Become active in student government.
  • Complete an internship in a government agency.
  • Earn a graduate degree in economics, statistics, public administration, or related field for promotion and advancement.
  • Become familiar with government hiring practices.
  • Develop excellent computer, analytical, and quantitative skills.

Economic Market Research

Area

  • Research Analysis
  • Consulting

Employer

  • Market research firms
  • Consumer goods manufacturing firms
  • Business firms
  • Consulting firms

Information / Strategies

  • Supplement curriculum with courses in business, political science, research design, survey design, statistics, and computer science.
  • Earn a graduate degree to obtain advanced research and consulting positions.
  • Obtain experience in business research.
  • Become a student member in related professional associations.
  • Get involved in student or community organizations to develop leadership skills.

Banking and Finance

Area

  • Credit Lending
  • Operations
  • Systems
  • Trusts
  • Securities
  • Sales
  • Research

Employer

  • Commercial banks
  • Regional banks
  • Savings and loan associations
  • National and regional brokerage firms
  • Discount brokerage houses

Information / Strategies

  • Develop a solid background in business including finance, marketing, and accounting.
  • Gain experience through part-time, summer, or internship positions in financial service firms.
  • Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills in order to work well with a diverse clientele.
  • Become the financial officer or treasurer of a campus organization.
  • Get involved with an investments club.
  • Earn an MBA for positions in investment banking.

Insurance

Area

  • Underwriting
  • Sales
  • Operations
  • Claims

Employer

  • Insurance firms

Information / Strategies

  • Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Earn a business minor.
  • Gain sales experience.
  • Participate in campus organizations.

Healthcare

Area

  • Hospital Management
  • Healthcare Analysis

Employer

  • Private (LLC) corporations
  • US Department of Health
  • Hospitals
  • Health Maintenance Organizations

Information / Strategies

  • Earn a master's degree in public health or hospital administration.
  • Gain experience in healthcare through internships.

Other Business Areas

Area

  • Management
  • Buying and Purchasing
  • Human Resources
  • Hospitality
  • Sales

Employer

  • Department, grocery, drug, specialty, and variety store chains
  • Hotels, resorts, and tourism councils
  • Restaurants
  • Large corporations

Information / Strategies

  • Gain related business experience through internships or jobs.
  • Demonstrate enthusiasm and flexibility.
  • Secure leadership positions in campus organizations.
  • Earn a business minor.
  • Obtain sales experience.

Teaching

Employer

  • Colleges and universities
  • Secondary public and private schools

Information / Strategies

  • Earn a Ph.D to teach in post-secondary institutions.
  • Gain research experience by assisting a professor.
  • Obtain certification for public school positions.
  • Get experience working with young people.
  • Develop strong public speaking skills.

General Information and Strategies

  • Choose a career focus and structure curricular and extra-curricular activities to achieve goals.
  • Obtain volunteer, part-time, summer, or internship experience to enhance career path. For example, complete a finance-related internship if interested in a career in banking.
  • Develop an excellent background in research, statistics, and computers.
  • Earn a graduate degree in economics, business, or other related fields for increased marketability.
  • Do informational interviewing with professionals to learn more about fields of interest.