Economists advise government departments, businesses, banks and other organisations on economic matters.
£28,000 - £60,000
37 to 39 a week (between 8am and 6pm)
You'll need:
You can get into this job through:
You'll need a degree in economics or a related subject, like:
Some employers may prefer you to have a postgraduate master's degree in economics.
Your university course should include both macro and microeconomics.
You'll usually need:
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.
You'll usually need:
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.
You can learn about James’s career journey on the Analysis Function website.
“I achieved my undergraduate economics degree but after I graduated, I was unsure what I wanted to do for a career. I liked economics but I knew I did not want to work in finance, which was the main path you were directed to go down after university.”
“I started working in the private sector for the AQA exam board working in social media and giving advice in a customer service role.”
“I joined HMRC in 2019 as I liked the idea of working in the Civil Service. I joined as a compliance case worker. I enjoyed the job and the culture of the Civil Service so I decided to look at opportunities to advance my career through the Fast Stream.”
“After a few attempts, I got a place on the Government Economics Service Fast Stream as an assistant economist. My first Fast Stream post was as a score card analyst and my second post was in the central co-ordination team.”
You can find professional development training and networking opportunities with the Royal Economic Society and The Society of Professional Economists.
You'll find advice about working as an economist at Discover Economics.
As an economist, you could:
You could work in an office or at a university.
Finance officers help to manage the finances of an organisation by keeping track of its income and controlling its spending.
Revenues and benefits officers work for local councils and deal with housing benefits, rents, council tax and business rates.
Financial advisers help people and organisations choose investments, savings, pensions, mortgages and insurance products.
Pensions administrators handle the day-to-day running of pension schemes and life insurance policies.
Company secretaries make sure that directors follow company law and finance rules.
Credit managers control the amount of finance offered by their company and manage the debts owed to it.
