Economics Career Resources
Economics students of today are versatile thinkers and problem-solvers who study choices and provide leadership in the 21st century. They explain why economic phenomena occur, how markets work and how government policy influences the economy. As an economics major, you will gain advanced knowledge in economic reasoning and apply your analytic ability to major issues confronting the nation and the global community of nations.
Why Major in Economics?
- Understand and think creatively about important economic concerns facing the world
- Evaluate current trends and issues
- Learn how to make sound decisions
- Analyze real-world concepts and problems that impact the world
- Improve your analytical and critical thinking skills
- Identify and use data to solve economic problems
Who Pursues a Degree in Economics?
Individuals who possess these traits may find their fit with economics:
- Excellent problem-solvers
- Skilled in quantitative analysis
- Theoretically minded (research and economic theory)
- Critical thinkers able to apply abductive, deductive, and inductive reasoning
- Effective communicators (written and oral)
Professional Certifications and Further Education
To be more competitive in the job market, some students will pursue advanced degrees or professional certifications:
- Master of Arts or Master of Science in Economics
- MBA
- Master in Public Policy
- Master of Science in Finance
- Master of Science in Business Analytics
- Master of Arts in Political Science
- Ph.D.
- Juris Doctor (JD)
Strategic Minor Options
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- Political Science
- Public Policy Analysis Certificate
Technical Skills to Learn
- Advanced Excel
- R
- Tableau
Career Planning Action Steps
- Participate actively in student organizations to develop leadership skills.
- Learn to solve problems creatively.
- Meet with a career coach to discuss career options and craft a strong résumé for internships.
- Complete multiple informational interviews to learn about the various career paths within economics.
- Develop your network of personal and professional contacts.
- Get involved in academic research.
- Develop skills related to data acquisition and analysis and report writing.
- Many economics positions in the private sector require advanced degrees.
- Pursue internships (use Handshake) to learn more about the field and gain relevant experience.
What Can You Do With a Major in Economics?
Common Career Paths for Economics Majors
- Academia: focus on teaching and research to propel the field forward
- Corporate: analyze consumer demand and sales to help organizations maximize profits while helping managers and decision-makers understand how the economy affects their business
- Legal sector: many legal decisions involve significant economic content and implications; write and interpret contracts, support mergers and acquisitions, deal with the tax system, and address disputes of workers, landlords, vendors, and more.
- Government: collect and analyze data about the economy, project spending needs, and inform policy-makers on the economic impact of laws and regulations.
Sample Internship Titles
- Analyst
- Congressional intern
- Data analyst intern
- Data science intern
- Equity research intern
- Finance intern
- Financial management scholar
- Grain merchandising intern
- Investment banking analyst intern
- Investor services intern
- Market research intern
- Pathways program intern
- Research assistant
- Sales intern
- Workplace operations intern
Sample Titles for First-Destination Careers
- Analyst
- Assistant national bank examiner
- Billing analyst
- Business recruitment coordinator
- Cost planner
- Consultant
- Customer success manager
- Data analyst
- Economic development planner
- Financial analyst
- Investment banking analyst
- Junior analyst
- Management trainee
- Pricing analyst
- Program analyst
- Project coordinator
- Sales representative
Sample Titles for Advanced Career Opportunities
- Capital markets analyst
- Chief planning and budget officer
- Commodity merchant
- Consultant
- Data scientist
- Economist
- Financial analyst consultant
- Investment associate
- Product manager
- Program director
- Research analyst
- Senior data scientist
- Senior portfolio manager
- Senior resource planning analyst
- Statistician
- Strategy analyst
Did You Know?
Students can get involved with six research and outreach centers housed in the Department of Economics.
Organizations Hiring Economics Majors
Amertias
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska
Bridgepoint Investment Banking
Buildertrend
Catavinya
Charles Schwab
CompanyCam
D.A. Davidson
Environmental Protection Agency
FDIC
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
First National Bank of Omaha
Fiserv
Kiewit
Mutual of Omaha
Nebraska Association of School Boards
Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Nelnet
Northwestern Mutual
NRC Health
Sandhills Global
Spreetail
State of Nebraska
Target
Union Bank & Trust
Union Pacific
Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance
Learn More
Learn More About the Major
Need assistance exploring your major or career options? Schedule an appointment with a career coach:
Business Career Center
HLH 141| M-F 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Drop-ins M-F 1-4 p.m.
businesscareers@unl.edu | 402-472-7272