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- Use economic data and models to advise business and government on strategy and policy
- Can be highly paid and highly influential work
- You'll need great maths skills along with the ability to analyse and present information
As an economist you'll help governments develop policies and/or businesses plan financial strategies.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
Your work will vary depending on whether you're advising the government or businesses. They might include:
- Researching information from computer databases, websites, journals and newspapers
- Monitoring past and present economic issues and trends
- Creating mathematical models to predict future economic developments
- Analysing statistics
- Writing reports
- Presenting findings
- Examining the effectiveness of current policies
- Advising on the potential economic impact of policies and ideas
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could work in an office or at a university.
You'll need
This role requires research skills, the ability to analyse complex information and statistics, report writing skills, maths and IT skills.
You'll usually need a degree in economics or a related subject like business studies, statistics, mathematics or finance and accounting. Your course should include both macro and microeconomics.
Some employers may prefer you to have a postgraduate master's degree in economics.
In the private sector, you'll usually start as an economic research officer or analyst. In the public sector, you could start as an assistant economist with the Government Economic Service (GES) and follow a structured fast-track development programme. You'll need a degree (2:1 or higher) in economics or a combined degree with at least 50 per cent economics.
You could also complete a professional economist degree apprenticeship.
You can find professional development training and networking opportunities with the Royal Economic Society and The Society of Professional Economists.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could progress to senior levels or become a self-employed freelance consultant.