The 7 most popular careers with a degree in Economics

Masters Avenue

There is no doubt that Economics is one of the most sought-after degrees in the world. Economics graduates have a combination of numerical understanding, qualitative skill, and a familiarity with cases drawn from commerce and policy that is almost uniquely relevant to the workplace.

 

Our team conducted a global survey of some 7.5 million professionals who completed their degrees at one of the world’s top 100 universities. This scale of our study is unmatched – the professionals we surveyed work for some 100,000 different companies, in a huge variety of sectors, in locations right across the world. Such a large dataset provides a unique insight into the most popular career options for graduates in each subject available at graduate school.

 

Business Development

The most popular eventual choice of career for Economics graduates was business development (19.4%) – reflecting the general popularity of BD roles amongst all graduates of all disciplines - 14.5% of all graduates chose a career in BD. Economics graduates bring a great deal to the table where BD is concerned; understanding how markets grow and change over time and the basic processes that underpin human choices and transactions are incredibly useful when predicting and planning the growth of a company or organisation.

 

Finance

Given the intimate association that the finance industry has with the discipline of Economics, it is perhaps surprising that only 15.3% of those who studied economics at university had ended up in the financial sector. A familiarity with complex mathematical models, sophisticated financial instruments, and a cognisance of broader macroeconomic trends – all gained through an Economics degree - are critical to work of the finance industry.

 

Education and Academia

The status of Economics as a respected and robust academic discipline makes it unsurprising that 9.2% of Economics graduates should decide to remain in academia or enter into full time teaching. The demand for degrees in business administration, economics, finance and accounting all translate into many teaching positions for those with a research background in economics, and the appetite for economic insight amongst policymakers and businesses insures a plentiful supply of funding for more doctorates and research posts.

 

Entrepreneurship

8.7% of Economics students decide to leave the security of corporate life behind, and strike out as entrepreneurs. Market savvy and a firm grasp of financial matters are very important for those seeking to set up their own business; and studying these topics in depth may well ignite an entrepreneurial spark in the hearts of those doing a master’s in economics.

 

Sales

Understanding the flow of supply and demand, and the way in which people make decisions about goods and services sits at the heart of economics; perhaps providing part of the explanation of why 6.6% of economics graduates decide to enter sales.

 

Operations

Operations was also a popular option for Economics graduates, with some 5.3% entering this field. Having an understanding of broader market forces is important anyone seeking to get to grips with the nuts and bolts of a company’s offering.

 

Research

Economic insight is highly valued by policymakers and businesses alike – so it’s unsurprising that 5.3% of Economics graduates should choose to enter research roles; working for think tanks, governments, and central banks.

 

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