Economics

What can I do with a major in Economics

Economics is the social science that provides understanding, meaning and relevance of human action under conditions of scarcity. In other words, the study of economics enables a more effective use of scarce resources such as the time and talent people have available, the land, buildings, equipment, other tools on hand, and the knowledge of how to combine them to create products and services to satisfy human wants.

Economists develop policies to address some of the world's toughest problems, like chronic poverty, poor sanitation, literacy and education, racial and gender equality, feeding populations and defining legal rights. Economists also understand where to draw the line between the roles of government and the private sector in the economy. Studying Economics teaches you how to think critically and analytically. Students develop the skills needed to be able to look at real-world social, economic and political problems and find positive solutions using economic principles.

Program Planning Guides

Skills

  • Analyze & Interpret Data
  • Analyze Consumer Needs & Wants
  • Appreciation & Awareness of Cultural Diversity
  • Computer Literacy
  • Develop & Maintain Customer Relationships
  • Influence, Persuade & Negotiate
  • Leadership
  • Motivate & Direct Others
  • Oral & Written Communication
  • Planning & Budgeting
  • Present Ideas & Data Clearly & Effectively
  • Problem Solving
  • Research
  • Concise Technical Reporting
  • Create & Evaluate Reports/Statements
  • Data Analysis Techniques
  • Decision Making Ability
  • Define Problems
  • Express Complex Ideas
  • Interest in Current Affairs
  • Logical Analysis
  • Manipulate Numerical Data
  • Negotiation
  • Public Speaking
  • Relate Theory to Practice
  • Self-Motivated
  • Time Management
  • Work Well Under Pressure

Work Environment

A degree in Economics prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities, such as careers in marketing, real estate, consulting, business, finance, administration, government, agriculture, health sciences, natural resources, manufacturing, trades and transport, and academic/research institutions.

Key Areas of Specialization:

  • Finance
  • Foreign Trade
  • Government
  • Business Management
  • Banking and Financial Services
  • Trade and Development
  • Budget Consulting
  • Strategic Planning
  • Economic Geography
  • Financial Aid Counseling
  • Taxation
  • Insurance Management

Career Possibilities

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.

  • Assistant Development Executive
  • Business & Industry Liaison
  • Business Analyst Intern
  • Business Development Representative
  • Communications Advisor/ Coordinator
  • International Business Development Officer
  • Assistant Actuarial Analyst
  • Associate Agricultural Economist
  • Bank Operations/Process Specialist
  • Economic Research Intern
  • Entry-Level Analytics Associate
  • Entry-level Financial Planner
  • Investment Services Assistant
  • Junior Advisor/Assistant Advisor
  • Management Trainee
  • Pricing Data Analyst
  • Program Assistant
  • Project Analyst Intern
  • Real Estate Researcher
  • Sales & Marketing Database Analyst
  • Sales Agent
  • Statistical Clerk

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.

  • Account Manager
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Forecast Analyst/Demand Planner
  • Foreign Services Officer
  • General Manager
  • Government Administrator
  • Grants Administrator
  • International Trade Officer
  • Management Consultant
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Materials Manager/ Logistics Coordinator
  • Mediator
  • Non-Profit Administrator
  • Officer Placement Consultant
  • Operations Researcher/ Manager
  • Personnel Recruiter
  • Policy Advisor
  • Project Manager
  • Risk Manager
  • Small Business Owner
  • Strategy Planner
  • Training Specialist
  • University Professor
  • Agricultural Economist
  • Business Economist
  • Cost Determinations Economist
  • Development Economist
  • Econometrician
  • Economic Advisor
  • Economic Analyst
  • Economic Business Analyst
  • Economic Consultant
  • Economic Consumer Advisor
  • Economic Planning Analyst
  • Economic Policy Adviser/ Analyst
  • Economic Policy Researcher
  • Economic Research Group Supervisor
  • Economist
  • Energy Economist
  • Environmental Economist
  • Farm Economist
  • Financial Economist
  • Financial Market Economist
  • Fiscal Economic Analyst
  • Forecasting Analyst
  • Forest Economist
  • Forest Resources Economist
  • Health Economist
  • Human Resources Economist
  • Industrial Economist
  • Industrial Organization Economist
  • Industrial Relations Economist
  • Industrial Trade Economist
  • International Economist
  • International Trade Economist
  • Investment Economist
  • Labour Economist
  • Labour Market Information Analyst
  • Land Use Economist
  • Macroeconomist/ Monetary Economist
  • Mathematical Economist
  • Natural Resources Economist
  • Price Economist
  • Professor of Economics
  • Public Finance Economist
  • Regional Economist
  • Resource Economist
  • Risk Management Analyst
  • Salary Analyst
  • Social Economist
  • Tax Economist
  • Territorial Resources Economist
  • Trade Analyst
  • Trade Economist
  • Transport Economist
  • Wage analyst
  • Economic Police
  • Welfare Economist

On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.

  • Author
  • Broadcaster
  • Entrepreneur
  • Event Coordinator
  • Executive Assistant
  • Exhibit Planner
  • Facilities Coordinator
  • Learning & Development Coordinator
  • Lobbyist
  • Logistics Specialist
  • Media Correspondent
  • Media Planner
  • Multimedia Designer
  • Paralegal
  • Politician
  • Portfolio Manager
  • Stockbroker
  • Tourism Consultant
  • Actuary
  • Advertising Manager
  • Advisor
  • Assessor
  • Branch Manager
  • Business Analyst
  • Compensation/Benefits Coordinator
  • Consultant
  • Cost Estimator
  • Credit/Loan Manager
  • Customs Broker
  • Demographer
  • Diplomat
  • General Manager
  • Health Policy Planner
  • Insurance Agent & Broker
  • Insurance Claim Investigators
  • Examiner & Adjuster
  • Investment Banker
  • Journalist
  • Labour Relations Researcher
  • Lawyer
  • Legislative Assistant
  • Office Manager
  • Profit Investment Coordinator
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Retail Salesperson & Sales Clerk
  • Sales & Marketing Representative
  • Small Business Owner/ Investor
  • Statistician
  • Technical Writer Compensation Analyst
  • Training & Development Specialist
  • Treasury Analyst
  • Trust Administrator
  • Underwriter
  • Venture Capitalist

Useful Resources


Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.