Economist
Economists advise government departments, businesses, banks and other organisations on economic matters.
- Potential salary
- £28,000 starter to £60,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 37 to 39 a week. Working pattern: between 8am and 6pm.
- Career area
- Business and administration
- Where they might work
- You could work in an office or at a university.
- A typical task
- research information and analyse statistics
- Subjects that may help
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths or economics
- Typical route
- You'll need a degree in economics or a related subject, like:
- Interest area used here
- Asking questions and research, Starting things and persuading
What you might do
- research information and analyse statistics
- create models to forecast economic developments
- advise on the potential economic impact of policies and commercial decisions
- monitor past and present economic issues and trends
- write reports and present findings
- work for an environmentally friendly company
More tasks (2)
- design tax breaks to encourage renewable energy investment
- develop systems like carbon taxes so businesses reduce emissions
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of economics and accounting
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- ambition and a desire to succeed
More skills
- excellent written communication skills
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Routes into this career
University route
- You'll need a degree in economics or a related subject, like:
- statistics
- mathematics
- business studies
- finance and accounting
- Some employers may prefer you to have a postgraduate master's degree in economics.
- Your university course should include both macro and microeconomics.
- You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths or economics
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Economics
Direct qualifying route. The closest undergraduate degree. Many economist jobs also expect postgraduate study.
- International Business
Related, but not enough on its own. International business is not an economics degree.
- International Relations
Related, but not enough on its own. It is not an economics degree, even when a module covers the global economy.
- Mathematics
Alternative route. Helpful for technical economics. An economics degree is the closer title.
- Politics
Related, but not enough on its own. Politics is not economics.
Apprenticeship or vocational route
- You could start a Professional Economist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, or a Senior Professional Economist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship to get into this career.
- Employers set their own entry requirements for an apprenticeship, which are likely to include maths at GCSE and A level. They may ask for a first degree in economics, or a similar subject, to start the Level 7 apprenticeship.
- You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
- equivalent entry requirements
- apprenticeship levels
Career progression
- With experience, you could:
- become a senior economic adviser in a government department or financial institution
- work for an economic policy unit
- write for economic journals
- teach in higher education
- specialise, for example in environmental economics
- You could also become a self-employed freelance consultant.
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths or economics
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship