Your degree in Economics

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Economics, you’ll analyze economic phenomena such as individual choices, market outcomes, and the role of institutional environments and government policies. You’ll develop important skills as you delve into these phenomena through studying various economic models and performing data analysis at the Vancouver School of Economics.

These skills may include:

  • Applying a deep understanding of policies, markets, and development to examine the social, cross-cultural and ethical dimensions of economic decision-making
  • Conducting research, collecting data, maintaining accurate records, analyzing, and effectively presenting findings
  • Cost-benefit analyses and ability to evaluate policies with a focus on promoting systems or organizational effectiveness
  • Clear and concise written communication that draws on economic principles and critical thinking
  • Financial report or statement writing and evaluation
  • Explaining and forecasting economic trends
  • Examining economic data and making evidence-based policy recommendations
  • Solving problems and analyzing data using mathematical models and statistical techniques

Career possibilities

Career opportunities vary across a range of fields including finance, insurance, business, public policy and administration, statistics, mathematics, law, education, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

  • Accountant
  • Budget supervisor
  • Business development officer
  • Compensation and benefits coordinator
  • Computer programmer
  • Demographer
  • Economic analyst
  • Economic development officer
  • Financial auditor
  • Financial controller
  • Financial institutions examiner
  • Financial officer
  • Financial reporter
  • Government official
  • Health economist
  • Human resources specialist
  • Information systems manager
  • Insurance sales agent
  • Inventory analyst
  • Investment analyst
  • Labour policy analyst
  • Labour relations officer
  • Lobbyist
  • Money market analyst
  • Mortgage officer
  • Pension plans administrator
  • Pollster
  • Purchasing agent
  • Real estate development
  • Social policy advisor
  • Sports analyst
  • Statistician
  • Taxation manager
  • Tax policy research manager
  • Trust officer

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand your values and interests.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and accessing job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Economics graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.