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.

Make the most of your program

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

• Economics clubs at UBC
  Meet other UBC students with similar interests through events and programs.
• Model United Nations Student Association at UBC
  Collaborate with other students to propose resolutions to global issues through United Nations-style simulations.
• Departmental events
  Network with Economics students and faculty members at a variety of events.
• Departmental research opportunities
  Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
• Experimental Laboratory at the Vancouver School of Economics
  Participate in economics research to help explore answers to social science questions.
• Economics Co-op success stories
  Learn about the experiences of past and present co-op students from your program and others.
• Arts Co-op Program
  Gain paid work experience in your area of study as part of your degree program.
• The Governor’s Challenge
  Develop your monetary policy decision-making skills in this student competition hosted by the Bank of Canada.
• National Investment Banking Competition and Conference
  Form a team and register in the summer to develop your investment banking skills and get noticed by industry recruiters.
• Fraser Institute – Student Essay Contest
  Share your ideas on public policy and the role of markets in this student competition.
• Progressive Economic Forum – Student Essay Contest
  Submit an essay related to political economy, economic theory or economic policy issues for a chance to win.
• The Washington Center internships
  Find internship and training opportunities in a variety of areas including business and global trade.
• Strategy Consulting Mentorship Program
  Make new connections and prepare for interviews with consulting firms.
• 180 Degrees Consulting at UBC
  Volunteer to provide consulting services for local non-profit organizations and social enterprises.

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 finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

• American Economic Association
• Association of Professional Economists of BC
• BC Economic Development Association
• BC Public Service
• Canada West Foundation
• Canadian Agricultural Economics Society
• Canadian Association for Business Economics
• Canadian Association of Management Consultants
• Canadian Bankers Association
• Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
• Canadian Economics Association
• Canadian Society of Customs Brokers
• Conference Board of Canada
• Economic Developers Association of Canada
• Financial Advisors Association of Canada
• Global Affairs Canada
• Government of Canada
• Institute for Research on Public Policy
• Institute of Public Administration of Canada
• International Association of Agricultural Economists
• International Economic Development Council
• Professional Risk Managers’ International Association
• United Nations Commission on International Trade Law
• Vancouver Economic Commission

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.