Economists are financial, marketing, and business strategy experts who analyze trends in the economic conditions of a society. Professionals might focus on the financial situation of a specific company or industry, or generalize information from statistics and surveys to predict future regional, national, and global trends. There are many different types of economist jobs available to qualified professionals, including specialized careers within macroeconomics, microeconomics, financial advisement, and university teachings.
Macroeconomics experts research and analyze data about national and global economies. They use information gathered from longitudinal studies, historical statistics, and surveys to predict changes in the economy and offer solutions to certain problems. Many professionals focus on certain aspects of an economy, such as the manufacture and distribution of raw materials, poverty rates, inflation, or the success of imports and exports. Politicians frequently consult macroeconomists when making public policy decisions.
Individuals who focus their attention on specific industries or companies are known as microeconomists. An expert in microeconomics conducts detailed research on a company's financial matters, and offers advice on how to improve situations. He or she often constructs graphs regarding supply and demand ratios in order to determine how much money and resources should be allocated to production. A microeconomist might help business owners and chief financial officers set pay scales based on industrial trends and the availability of funds.
Many economist jobs can be found in banks and private financial adviser offices. Economists are sought by individuals and business owners who need help managing their money, stocks, assets, and resources. Clients generally sit down with financial advisers to discuss their problems and goals, and receive valuable insider information on how to set up accounts, get the best rates, trade stocks, and maximize returns.
Some well-educated economists choose to become part- or full-time professors at universities. Individuals might lecture on a variety of subjects, providing essential information to people who plan on pursuing economist jobs as well as students interested in related disciplines. Many economics professors spend part of their time conducting independent research and writing papers to stay up-to-date in a changing economical atmosphere.
Most economist jobs are obtained by completing master's or doctorate programs offered by accredited universities and colleges. Undergraduate economics majors typically take general courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, business, psychology, and statistics. Students in graduate or doctoral school usually specialize in a specific subject to prepare themselves for eventual economist jobs. Many graduates begin their careers as assistants or interns to established economists to learn the details of their positions and gain firsthand research experience.