Career Advice for an Economist

Economists analyse financial data and information regarding social factors to determine the state of the economy. They gather complex data to anticipate trends and advise businesses, banks, and government bodies on economic conditions to help them make strategic decisions. Economists may work within a company or be self-employed and act as a consultant.

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How to Become an Economist

Choosing your career path and learning how to become the person you aspire to be is not always straight forward; getting a job in your chosen industry will take dedication, focus and the right qualifications.

When you have chosen the career path you wish to follow, you will need to learn how to become an Economist

Should you wish to work as an Economist you will need to evaluate what courses are required, their cost and what qualifications you need. It is important that you also assess whether you have the right credentials from a personality point of view, what the demands of the job are and whether they complement the lifestyle that you desire.

Another factor to consider, should you wish to fulfil your career aspirations, is the number of jobs you will need to have to reach your ultimate job, and the length of time it will take to reach this goal.

Common Qualifications for an Economist

  • 2 or 3 A Levels
  • Degree Statistics or Finance
  • Degree apprenticeship in Economics

Key Responsibilities for an Economist

  • Collecting financial, socioeconomic, and political data
  • Analysing information to prepare forecast models
  • Conducting surveys
  • Researching various data points, including healthcare and energy
  • Using historical data to anticipate trends
  • Analysing the market to identify new trends
  • Providing advice on economic decisions
  • Consulting clients on their policy effectiveness
  • Developing economic models
  • Communicating findings in an understandable way

What to expect as an Economist

Economists are responsible for analysing data on political, financial, and socioeconomic situations to provide information on the state of the economy. They collate complex data to assist organisations in making economic decisions, requiring a highly analytical mind. To be successful in this career, you will need excellent attention to detail and understandably explain highly complex information.

Recommended Economist Jobs

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How to get Economist Jobs

Our advice on how to get an Economist job is to focus on preparation and personalisation.

Preparation

This occurs before you write a CV cover letter or complete an Economist application. If you have not held an Economist position before, it will help to research the industry and review what a typical career path might look like. If you have held an Economist role, focus your research on the company where you are seeking employment.

Valuable resources that will help you learn about the employer include the company’s career page, social media page, blog, job ad, and job description. Helpful information will consist of the company’s mission statement, values, and vision. You could also use an employer review site to gain insights on average salaries, what current employees say about the company culture, and what it is like to work for the organisation.

Personalisation

You are now in a position to use what you have learned in your Economist CV, cover letter, and application. You should personalise each Economist application, cover letter, and CV; prioritising job skills and relevant experience and providing examples that show you have similar values and goals.

This pre-application stage is a crucial step in how to become an Economist in the UK. It puts you in a superbly informed state, ready for forthcoming telephone, video, or in-person interviews.

Students: How to Become an Economist 

As with all professions, choose your study topics carefully. Review the qualifications needed to be an Economist and the subjects you will need to enrol in certification courses, higher education, or online courses. 

Aligning your study subjects

The more closely you align your study subjects with your career path, the more likely you will be to have projects and modules that you can refer to and show a prospective employer that you have practical or theoretical Economist experience.

How to get Economist Experience

What does it take to be an Economist? The best way to find out is to get work experience, which will be invaluable when applying for Economist jobs. You can learn how to be a successful Economist through internships, apprenticeships, or volunteering for a local business.

How to be an Economist Part-Time 

If you are wondering how to get into Economist part-time, there are several possibilities. You might find a new employer looking for a part-time Economist or find your existing employer is amenable. Often companies recognise the value of flexible hours and having more staff at work during busy times of the day. 

Economist freelance work

If you have impressive Economist qualifications and experience, you could take on the challenges of working freelance with control over your schedule.

Making a Career Change

How to start a career in this profession if you work in another industry may require studying for qualifications online and focusing on transferable skills when writing your CV and attending job interviews.