Majoring in Economics?

Question

Shed some light on the significance of economics in the life of U.S. citizens. Why would you choose to major in economics? What potential careers are possible for economic majors?

Answer 1

Finance majors take many of the same courses that Econ majors do, but the job market is better, as is the pay scale.

This is true at the Bachelor's level, the Master's level, and the PhD level.

Edit: I think some of the confusion in this thread has to do with what level economics you plan on studying. There ARE jobs in banking/consulting for economics undergrads but the job market is tougher than for other business-related fields.

And Allen's 2nd paragraph shows almost no insight as to what an actual finance job entails.

Answer 2

I loved majoring in Economics, and now that I'm hiring myself, I'd view any Economic major as likely to be intelligent and analytical and quantitatively skilled. Someone with a BA or BS in Economics could find a range of work in the business world -- such as in corporate marketing, market research, and the million things that do not require a specific degree to do.

I have found having a finance major would be more marketable in general and especially for corporate financial analyst jobs, of which there are many available if you have a finance degree. Personally I was far better at finance than any of the finance majors who I took high-end finance classes with, and I busted all the curves in those classes -- but some HR wonk screening resumes for such a job is going to take a very narrow view and look at the major. Just the way it is.

In sum, few if any jobs out there are clamoring for people specifically with Bachelors' degrees in Economics, whereas many job descriptions do demand degrees in Finance or Accounting. But you'll have plenty of opportunities, especially in this job market where competent labor is extremely difficult to find, and lord knows it beats a Marketing degree.

Answer 3

I have to disagree with Santa Barbara. There are lots of jobs for economists. In fact, economists are trained to be able to do many things, including finance. Finance guys make a lot of money, but have have a very narrow set of skills.

If you want to do the same thing forever major in finance. If you want some real skills and be able to approach many types of world problems, major in economics.

Answer 4

You can make about 2x to 3x more money if you get a Finance major than you could as an Econ major.

I would get a finance degree with an emphasis in Econ.

Answer 5

Getting a BBA might provide you a extra useful history in Accounting and can help you extra useful comprehend graduate point accounting. i don't think of that the Econ. degree might supply you with adequate exposure to accounting. i'm not asserting this is impossible although. merely that a BBA might make you extra delicate with the top point accounting suggestions. (that are actually not that distinctive from undergrad accounting instructions in case you question me)

Answer 6

Go there and you have your answer : http://www.mhhe.com/economics/theleadingindicator/career_center.html