Majoring in economics is like majoring in critical thinking. You are well-prepared to apply your coursework to a variety of careers and industries. Sometimes the range of choices makes it difficult to decide what you would like to do after graduation. By understanding what skills you have, what other graduates have done, and what you enjoy doing, you can begin to define your career goals.
Career Guides for Economics Students
These are common industries economics students go into. This is not a complete list of everything you can do by studying economics. Think of it as a starting point. Each area lists helpful information for that industry including, potential courses, student organizations, and sample job titles.
Please note that these are guides only; you are not required to take all the courses that are listed or join any student organizations listed.
Additional Career Exploration Resources
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Career Exploration Center at UW-Madison
Career Exploration Center at UW-Madison provides in-depth advising appointments for undergraduates to help you explore your interests, values, strengths, and personality
SuccessWork’s Career Communities
SuccessWork’s Career Communities highlight online resources to explore career options in Government, Politics, Policy & Law, NonProfit Management, Data & Analytics and MORE.
Free Career Assessments & Quizzes
Completing career assessments can be a helpful tool in exploring potential careers. A few (free) quizzes and assessments to try out are:
- Career Interests Quiz from SuccessWorks
- Career Assessments from the Career Exploration Center
- CareerOneStop Self-assessments
Occupational Outlook Handbook
The Occupational Outlook Handbook highlights occupations by industry or interest area and outlines what the positions do, how to become one, pay ranges, job outlook, and similar occupations.
American Economic Association “Careers in Economics”
American Economic Association “Careers in Economics” section highlights common career paths and salary statistics
The Graduate School’s Individual Development Plan
The Graduate School’s Individual Development Plan helps graduate students assess skills, interests, and strengths and make a plan to meet professional goals
Next Steps: Find Jobs & Internships
Begin exploring internships and jobs in career fields you are curious about!