What jobs can you do with an economics degree?

Economics graduates are qualified to work in a wide range of roles, from economists to data analysts, and financial planners to land and property valuers. An economics degree develops highly transferable skills in problem-solving, data analysis and numeracy – all of which are in high demand across the business world, especially in construction.  

What is economics? 

Economics is the study of how wealth is created and distributed, goods and services are manufactured and the way they are consumed. Students learn about both macroeconomics – how national economies are structured, regulated, grow and perform – and microeconomics. Microeconomics is concerned with how individuals respond to changes in prices, the availability of resources and methods of production.  

Job options for economics graduates

Accountant 

Accounting and finance staff keep track of the money that comes in and goes out of a business. As an accountant, you would be managing a business’s cash flow, keeping financial records, producing reports and forecasts, as well as overseeing payroll, tax and VAT submissions. Many accountants work across a range of different industries, whilst others specialise in a particular sector. 

Asset manager

Asset managers manage and monitor a company’s assets. This could include property, money, stocks, shares and bonds, commodities, equities and other financial products. Asset managers aim to maximise their employer’s return on investment, ensuring that construction projects improve income and financial stability.

Business analyst

Business analysts use data to help companies make better decisions. Business analysts investigate and assess problems, processes and systems by analysing financial and other data, using it to develop solutions to challenges faced by the business and improve future planning and efficiencies.

Compliance manager

Compliance managers ensure that a business, its employees and its projects comply with all relevant regulations and specifications. This could include health and safety, environmental, legal or quality standards, as well as any ethical policies the company may have.

Cost estimator

Cost estimators or cost planners calculate how much construction projects will cost, taking into account labour, material and equipment requirements. Estimators negotiate with suppliers and gain quotes from subcontractors, using this information to compile detailed cost proposals for clients.

Economist 

Economists study complex data and statistics and use their findings to provide financial advice to businesses. As an economist, you would be researching and monitoring economic trends, creating statistical models to predict future developments. Employers depend on economists to advise them on the potential impact of policies and investments. 

Land and property valuer 

Land and property valuers give professional advice to individuals and businesses who buy, sell, and rent land and property. In this job you will be estimating the market value of land, buildings and real estate, helping clients maximise their profit from the sale or rent of their property. You will be organising auctions, carrying out valuations, offering investment appraisals and writing reports.  

Learning and development manager 

Learning and development managers handle the training and professional development of company employees. They work closely with business managers and human resources departments to design and implement training and development programmes, such as inductions and appraisals. Learning and development managers manage budgets, produce training materials and evaluate the training and development needs of staff.     

Project manager

Project managers oversee the planning and delivery of projects. PMs ensure that work is completed on time and within budget. Project managers organise logistics, delegate work and keep track of spending. As a project manager, you would liaise with clients and colleagues to agree on timescales, costs and resources, select and lead a team, communicate progress and resolve issues or delays.

Quantity surveyor

A quantity surveyor is responsible for estimating costs, quantities, materials and labour timescales for building projects. They prepare forecasts for projected work, ensure projects meet legal and quality standards and advise on the maintenance costs of specific buildings. Quantity surveyors try to ensure that clients get value for money and the price they pay for quantities and materials is reasonable and accurate.  

Kickstart a career in economics

Skills and qualifications

Jobs that require economics degrees are usually looking for candidates who are good analytical thinkers, are obviously very good with numbers and understand maths to a high level. Jobs involving economics need people who also can demonstrate excellent attention to detail, organise their time well and communicate verbally and in writing to a high standard.

Jobs in economics do not necessarily require an economics degree, but it certainly helps! Other qualifications that are useful are business degrees and maths degrees.

Work experience 

Work experience is seen by employers as a major factor in employability, and it is no different for economics graduates.   

A degree in economics will usually take three years and does not have a work placement year. Students or graduates will have to try and find placements or internships in their summer holidays or at the end of their course – this will help you gain valuable work experience and develop your business skills. You could be working as a professional economist or any of the roles above.  

Graduate opportunities 

If you study economics you can look forward to a huge variety of opportunities when you graduate. You could choose to stay in education and take a Masters degree or PhD, or start making job applications. Economics graduates are among some of the highest-paid entrants to the jobs market because of the broad range of applicable and transferable skills they can bring to an employer.