Economist
Economists advise government departments, businesses, banks and other organisations on economic matters.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As an economist, you could:
- 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
We've identified this as a potential green job
For an economist to be a green job, you could:
- work for an environmentally friendly company
- design tax breaks to encourage renewable energy investment
- develop systems like carbon taxes so businesses reduce emissions
Find out more about green careers
Working environment
You could work in an office or at a university.
Career path and 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.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- 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
- 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
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- a graduate training scheme
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.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths or economics
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
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.
Entry requirements
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
More Information
You could start as an economic research officer or analyst in the private sector and work your way up.
You could apply for a place on the Government Economic Service Fast Stream programme, starting out as an assistant economist.
You'll need a degree in economics or a combined degree, with at least 50% economics. A postgraduate award in economics may be acceptable.
Professional and industry bodies
You can find professional development training and networking opportunities with the Royal Economic Society and The Society of Professional Economists.
Further information
You'll find advice about working as an economist at Discover Economics.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.