Here's how you can choose your first job in Economics wisely.

Try to focus on what you desire to obtain in the near future and collect relations in order to exchange ideas and hints about the development of a career in the field you are experiencing.

Research Career Options: Research different career paths and job opportunities available to economists in various industries and sectors, including government agencies, research institutions, consulting firms, financial institutions, non-profit organizations, academia, and private corporations. Explore job descriptions, qualifications, responsibilities, and growth prospects for different roles to identify potential matches for your skills and interests. Networking and Informational Interviews: Network with professionals in the field of economics through networking events, career fairs, professional organizations, and online platforms like LinkedIn.

Généralement dans le pays en développement suite au manque d’emploi pour les jeunes, les gens n’ont pas d’autres choix que de saisir les opportunités qui se présentent. L’adéquation entre l’emploi et la formation favorise une meilleure évolution professionnelle.

When choosing your first job in economics, prioritize roles that offer strong research functions. Engaging in research allows you to hone your analytical skills, gain a deep understanding of economic theories, and contribute to significant projects. Look for positions that provide access to various data sources, advanced analytical tools, and opportunities to work on diverse topics. These roles are typically found in think tanks, academic institutions, government agencies, and large corporations. Starting in a research-intensive role will build a solid foundation for your future career in economics.

The workplace culture is a crucial factor to consider when selecting your first job. A positive and supportive environment can significantly impact your job satisfaction and professional growth. Evaluate the company’s values, work-life balance, management style, and the overall atmosphere. Seek out organizations that align with your personal values and professional aspirations. Talk to current or former employees, if possible, to get insights into the company culture. A conducive workplace culture fosters collaboration, innovation, and career development, making your initial job experience more rewarding and productive.

Assessing the growth potential of a job is essential when starting your career in economics. Look for roles and companies that offer clear career advancement opportunities, professional development programs, and mentorship. Consider the potential for learning new skills, taking on increased responsibilities, and advancing to higher positions within the organization. A job with strong growth potential will help you build a robust career trajectory, offering both personal and professional rewards. Investigate whether the company has a track record of promoting from within and how they support their employees’ career growth.

Choose a place to work where people are willing to question conventional ideas, because most of the pillars of modern economics need a major rethink and fresh minds.

Please remember always, in my opinion, that if you start with a career path is not for life! You have all the possibilities to change and focus on what makes you feel happier and satisfied!

As an Economics graduate, I think the first choice you have to make upon graduating is whether you want to continue in Academia or you want to work in the field. A lot of other things will depend on that choice. Academia requires strong research and analytical background and requires a lot of perseverance and self-motivation. However, you get to work in areas you are passionate about (in some programs). Working in the field, on the other hand, is more dynamic and challenging, but you don’t get much say on what you get to do or the topics you research and the deadlines might be more hectic. However, in most cases it is more financially rewarding than Academia. So, as a fresh grad, it is a matter of choosing the best fit.

Check out for thoughts leading economics units of repute, in advisory professional services firms, management consulting firms, NGOs, research think tanks, investment banks, commercial/development/central banks, etc. and explore opportunities within these institutions. To be most suitable, in your formative years (i.e. during university days), invest in writing thorough economic opinion pieces that should be published in national dailies, with focus on your trending topical issues (e.g. geopolitics and trade, climate change, etc.). They are free opportunities to demonstrate in your resume that you are a ready economist beyond, just the degree earned.