What can I do with an economics major?

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AREA EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES
GOVERNMENT
Cost Analysis
Intelligence
Foreign Trade Analysis
Public Administration
Transportation Management
Urban Planning
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
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
Research Analysis
Consulting
Market research firms
Consumer goods manufacturing firms
Business firms
Consulting firms
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 & FINANCE
Credit Lending
Operations
Systems
Trusts
Securities: Sales, Research
Commercial banks
Regional banks
Savings and loan associations
National and regional brokerage firms
Discount brokerage houses
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
Underwriting
Sales
Operations
Claims
Insurance firms
Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Earn a business minor. Gain sales experience. Participate in campus organizations.
HEALTHCARE
Hospital Management
Healthcare Analysis
Private (LLC) corporations
US Department of Health
Hospitals
Health Maintenance Organizations
Earn a master's degree in public health or hospital administration. Gain experience in healthcare through internships.
OTHER BUSINESS AREAS
Management
Buying and Purchasing
Human Resources
Hospitality
Sales
Department, grocery, drug, specialty, and variety store chains
Hotels, resorts, and tourism councils
Restaurants
Large corporations
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
Colleges and universities
Secondary public and private schools
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

  • 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.

HELPFUL LINKS

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Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
(2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer