What can I do with a major in economics?

Areas

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

Employers

Government departments involved in agriculture, business, finance, labor, transportation, urban economics, and international trade including:

• USDA
• Department of Commerce
• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• The United Nations
• General Accounting Office

Sample occupations

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.

Areas

Research Analysis
Consulting

Employers

Market research firms
Consumer goods manufacturing firms
Business firms
Consulting firms

Sample occupations

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.

Areas

Credit Lending
Operations
Systems
Trusts
Securities

• Sales 
• Research

Employers

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

Sample occupations

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.

Areas

Underwriting
Sales
Operations
Claims

Employers

Insurance firms

Sample occupations

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

Areas

Hospital Management
Healthcare Analysis

Employers

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

Sample occupations

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

Areas

Management
Buying and Purchasing
Human Resources
Hospitality
Sales

Employers

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

Sample occupations

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.

Areas

Employers

Colleges and universities
Secondary schools: public and private

Sample occupations

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.