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What Does a Lecturer in Economics Do?

Kesha Ward
Kesha Ward

A lecturer in economics is a well trained and educated professional who delivers lectures to students, individuals, and organizations about economic issues including investments, money, land, and government expenditures. The goal of a lecturer in economics is to provide a measured way to teach individuals about the inner workings of the economy and how changes in the economy affects consumer spending and confidence. A lecturer in economics also provides instruction on how individuals' decisions to purchase and use resources affects the flow and exchange of money.

It is common for a lecturer in economics to have received a formal education in economics; this education may consist of a master's or doctoral study in the subject matter. A lecturer should be well versed in the subject and even complimentary subjects such as finance and accounting. Lecturers can use their platform to impart information and economic advice to an audience of people who are in search of that particular knowledge. Most commonly, lecturers in economics are more trained in the subject matter than as a public speaker.

The majority of economics lecturers are employed by universities.
The majority of economics lecturers are employed by universities.

If the lecturer in economics works the professional lecture circuit, he or she may be perceived as subject matter expert and be invited to speak and lecturer in front of a variety of audiences. Economics lectures may be delivered in a variety of forms and typically showcase the lecturer's knowledge of economic issues. Some lecturers take the podium to make a persuasive argument in the attempt to convince those who listen that their views or opinions about the economy are correct, while others may simply offer information and advice.

Economics lectures may be delivered in a variety of forms and often showcase the lecturer's knowledge of economic issues.
Economics lectures may be delivered in a variety of forms and often showcase the lecturer's knowledge of economic issues.

There are a number of lecturers who have obtained credibility in the field by writing books about the economy. They may use their job as a lecturer to promote and sell their books. Being a published author can increase interest in the lecturer and result in an opportunity to address a wide variety of audiences.

The most common type of lecturer in economics is the college professor. These professionals lecture for a living and often have a great deal of passion and enthusiasm for the subject of economics. Professors of economics teach students a range of economic topics based on the level of the courses. A lecturer of an entry-level course in economics may include lecturers on supply and demand, while more advanced courses typically examine the dynamics of product price, how price impacts consumer spending, and other complex economic issues.

Discussion Comments

bear78

@SteamLouis-- That may depend on the school and the course. In my school, economics courses were only taught by professors. PhD students usually worked with professors as teaching assistants and there were also times when they filled in for the professor if the professor couldn't attend a lecture for some reason. Some schools may allow their PhD students to teach basic courses like economics 101. All economics professors have teaching assistants to help them with their lectures, course materials, grading exams, etc. So even if PhD students can't teach, they can work with professors.

At my school economics PhD students also worked in what we called "economics workshops." They basically helped economics students with their homework and economics theories from class. I used to go there when I didn't understand a subject.

SteamLouis

Can economics PhD students work as lecturers? Or is it only professors and assistant professors who can teach?

serenesurface

I had to take two economics classes in college -- microeconomics and macroeconomics. It was required that we take microeconomics first. Our professor was a brilliant person, he was really a very smart economist. But he did not have the best communication and lecturing skills.

Despite being a good student my whole life and always paying attention in classes, I struggled to stay awake in this class. I don't know if it was the theories of microeconomics that got me or the low monotone voice of the professor. Macroeconomics was definitely more enjoyable.

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    • The majority of economics lecturers are employed by universities.
      By: Africa Studio
      The majority of economics lecturers are employed by universities.
    • Economics lectures may be delivered in a variety of forms and often showcase the lecturer's knowledge of economic issues.
      By: AlexOakenman
      Economics lectures may be delivered in a variety of forms and often showcase the lecturer's knowledge of economic issues.
    • Economics lecturers may deliver talks to students, individuals and organizations.
      By: Sergey Nivens
      Economics lecturers may deliver talks to students, individuals and organizations.
    • An economics lecturer may also be knowledgeable in finance and accounting.
      By: Dmitry Goygel-Sokol
      An economics lecturer may also be knowledgeable in finance and accounting.
    • A lecturer of an entry-level course in economics may focus on the subject of supply and demand.
      By: Monkey Business
      A lecturer of an entry-level course in economics may focus on the subject of supply and demand.