CAREERS IN ECONOMICS 

The study of economics prepares students for a wide variety of careers in both economics and related disciplines. The Department of Economics focuses on applied microeconomics that provides a broad background for careers in many areas, including urban economics, health care analysis and management, public administration, economic analysis and consulting, as well as banking and finance. Economics also provides an excellent background for postgraduate study in a variety of careers, including law, health care, and related discliplines such as international students and economic development.

Today the average salary of economists is $70,000.  Students with only a bachelors in economics earn an average of $49,000.  Government forecasts see continued growth in the profession.  An economic education is an asset for life, and can be a life-changing experience.

There are a variety of career choices for economic majors. Economists hold business, government, and academic postions.  The President of UofL is an economist.  Besides being an excellent background for any career choice, students specializing in economics have a wide choice of advanced studies ranging from resolving local, state, and government policy problems to many areas of international trade and development.

Economics is also an extremely practical field, and a major in economics is an excellent launching pad for careers in business, government, and the law, as well as for specific areas in education, journalism, foreign service, consulting and politics.  The analytical skills of an economics major are very useful also in the public sector.

Undergraduate students of economics can apply their skills and knowledge in both the public and private sectors. Going beyond the Bachelor's level is becoming increasingly important and is mandatory for high-level and academic careers in economics.

All Departmental faculty, our Reinhardt Academic Advising Center economics advisor (Wendell Williams), and the staff of the Ulmer Career Management Center are helpful resources to assist students in making career decisions. This includes course selection, internship and co-op recommendations, and elective course selection to provide the best possible undergraduate preparation.

Ulmer Career Management Center

The Ulmer Career Management Center, located in the atrium level of the College of Business, assists students and alumni with full-time job placement as well as resume assistance, workshops, and one-on-one career counseling, and much more.

See "What Can I Do With an Economics Degree?" and Famous Economists