When contemplating the Economics degree, what images come to mind? Can you imagine long hours bent over computer keyboards performing complicated statistical analyses? Maybe you envision boring accountability meetings featuring long-winded explanations and visual presentations for bored board members. If so, you are not alone.

Contrary to popular belief, the economy is not as dull and dry as many believe. Take a momentary break. Put down the calculators and get away from the keyboards. We are about to start with a talk on the economies of getting an Economics degree online. The class has already started.

An exercise in versatility

The economy is the driving force behind everything. On financial fronts ranging from the global marketplace to domestic budgets, economics is essential. Like geologists, the heart of economists’ work is preservation. Instead of the natural environment, economists are concerned with scarce monetary resources.

A wide range of opportunities is available to Economics students. Business entities are very common employers. Economics professionals are also found in medicine, law, nonprofit organizations, and government.

learning levels

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for entry-level economist positions. Most economics students find employment in the private sector. Non-profit corporations and the government also provide abundant opportunities. In the federal government especially, many newly minted economics students find career havens in facility-based statistics and data analysis operations.

The academy is also an attractive career destination for economists. Professorships at major universities are open to those with PhD degrees in Economics. This career is also attractive to incurable research and writing fetishists who provide ongoing commentary on economic trends and attendant public policy.

An online economics degree at the master’s level is ideal for those seeking a pragmatic career position in academia. It closely matches the hiring protocols at most high schools or community colleges.

consider your options

Many students cannot envision many, or any, practical careers in economics that interest them. This is unfortunate, as Economics students possess practical skills that are extremely marketable. Think about it, class. The basic concepts that underlie all work as an economist are money and mathematics. When combined, they add up to a knowledge base of high universal value. Here are some examples:

economic forecaster

The top priority of every business is to maximize the bottom line. A flawless crystal ball would yield guaranteed unlimited winnings. Unfortunately, such devices have not been invented. Tipsters are the next best thing available. Its complex analyzes are extremely useful for business concerns. The current economic climate and market conditions are measured for maximum marketing efficiency.

Finance, Banking and Accounting

The broad numerical knowledge of economists is always needed in other areas as well. Half of maximizing bottom line is minimizing expenses. Economists advise organizations to achieve maximum budgetary efficiency. Operating costs, from toilet paper for employee toilets to multi-billion dollar capital acquisitions, are scrupulously scrutinized and monitored by economists.

Public Policy, Government

Economists understand and accurately assess demographic, socioeconomic, and financial patterns. These trends can be monitored, compiled and evaluated. Realistic projections about the likely effects of proposed budget appropriations, tax regulations, and other legislation are made with great precision. Economists frequently conduct feasibility studies to accurately assess proposed projects or policy changes.

Other options

Economists explore statistical arenas in addition to purely monetary and financial issues. Research positions in science-oriented organizations are a popular career path. The logical deductions and inferences that can be drawn from the conclusions of economists are invaluable to such organizations.

Economic Rewards of Economists

Here’s a thought exercise, class: If someone had an extra million dollars flowing into their bank account during a given year, what would that be worth to you? Even paying half a million dollars would be profitable, don’t you think? Companies think the same way.

A 2008 Wall Street Journal study showed that the median starting salary for economics majors was $43,419 per year. This ranked economists as the fourth highest paying occupation. Economists even surpassed the average starting salaries for new MBAs.

The moral of this story is pretty clear, students. If you have the right knack for numbers, a career as an economist is a great option. All available data clearly reveals this. Implement your own economic policy today by enrolling in the online economics degree program of your choice. Your future bottom line will make it worth your while. The class is now closed.