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Economics

Occupational Possibilities

Study in economics prepares one to succeed in a wide variety of occupations through the examination of economic systems and the problems and solutions arising in such systems. The selected list below is representative of the types of positions economics majors often occupy.

For some careers listed below, such as educational television advisor, additional skills or related training may be required. Additional graduate study is generally necessary for positions marked with a *.

Business

  • Market research analyst
  • Sales representative
  • Staff training and development specialist
  • Public relations media planner
  • Real estate agent
  • Retail buyer
  • Insurance underwriting trainee
  • Actuarial assistant
  • Advertising copywriter
  • Management consultant
  • Strategic planner
  • Actuary
  • *Business administrator
  • Cost estimator

Government and Public Sector

  • Claims examiner, Social Security Administration
  • Foreign trade analyst
  • Tax auditor
  • Housing development aide
  • Budget Office assistant
  • Legislative assistant
  • Lobbyist
  • *Regional/urban planner
  • Financial planner
  • *Lawyer
  • Research assistant
  • Compensation analyst
  • Demographer
  • *Public administrator

Banking and Finance

  • Commodities broker
  • Bank management trainee
  • Financial analyst
  • *Economic forecaster
  • Trust administrator
  • Credit analyst
  • Loan counselor
  • Securities analyst
  • Investment banker

Education and Communication

  • *Professor
  • Technical writer
  • Journalist/columnist
  • *Teacher
  • *Higher education administration
  • Educational television advisor
  • *Information analyst

 

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Skills and Abilities

Analytical skills, a strong quantitative background, and clarity and precision of expression are qualities developed in the economics major. Additionally, knowledge of the operations of a complex economic system and its institutions provides skills applicable to a wide variety of job responsibilities in a number of occupational areas.

The skills listed below are representative of those acquired from the study of economics, and may be applied in various occupations. For example, an investment banker, a technical writer, and an urban planner might use analytical thinking skills on a daily basis, although for different purposes.

Communication

  • Writing reports/articles
  • Summarizing
  • Writing proposals
  • Reading and interpreting reports/statements
  • Speaking persuasively
  • Explaining ideas/goals
  • Justifying a position

Problem Solving

  • Assessing needs
  • Defining problems
  • Reviewing/evaluating goals
  • Relating theory to practice
  • Projecting/forecasting results
  • Applying quantitative analysis
  • Generating solutions
  • Evaluating policies

Finance

  • Maintaining accurate records
  • Tabulating figures
  • Manipulating numerical data
  • Developing budgets
  • Performing cost/benefit analyses
  • Creating and evaluating financial reports/statements

Research

  • Designing projects
  • Generating/developing ideas
  • Organizing materials
  • Computing data
  • Analyzing results
  • Testing an idea/hypotheses
  • Using computers
  • Applying statistical methods

 

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Career Planning and Resources

Internships

Job Search

Professional Associations

For More Information

...about careers, graduate and professional schools, internships, professional associations, or job descriptions contact:

University Career Center
110 Burge Union
(785) 864-3624

For information about majors and concentrations in economics:

Economics Department
415 Snow Hall
(785) 864-3501
econ@ku.edu

 

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