Career Options
According to the American Economic Association, economics majors find success in a wide range of careers. A student of economics will have a good understanding of how markets function. This knowledge is useful for a variety of jobs in government, industry or finance. Many large corporations and labor unions employ economists to prepare forecasts and to examine developments in national or local markets that may affect future costs and profits. Management consulting and commercial and investment banking are rapidly growing areas of employment for majors, especially those who have strong analytical skills in mathematics and statistics. Governments at all levels, including international organizations such as the United Nations, are also significant employers of economics majors for positions involving analysis of revenues and expenditures and cost benefit studies of programs in education, health, and transportation. The study of economics also provides a good preparation for graduate study, including MBA and MPA programs, or law school. Explore career paths, essential skills, and typical employers for economics majors.
The SPS Student Services team is invested in preparing adult students to apply their Northwestern education to their next step of professional success. Bachelor’s degree students are encouraged to discuss their career goals with their academic advisers, who are available to help with job search strategies, resume review, and provide program-tailored career advice.
A range of career resources are available from SPS Student Services, and undergraduate SPS students also use advising, programming, and resources from Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA), the comprehensive career services office at the Evanston campus.