Economists are some of the most highly regarded and highly sought-after professionals
across a wide range of sectors, and the level of demand is only going to increase in the
coming years. Analyzing markets and trends to inform a business or organization’s strategy
is an invaluable skill, and more and more people are recognizing this when deciding what
career path to pursue. This means that graduate economists not only have to be at the top of
their game at all times but also have to be able to differentiate themselves from other
economists seeking employment. Here are five steps economists should follow for long-term
success in their careers:
1. Hone your analytical and critical skills
Economists need to keep their key skills sharp, including being able to make predictions
based on economic theory, analyzing data to find answers to questions, and being able to
present and communicate their findings and recommendations to people with no knowledge
of economics. A degree in economics or a related field will give you a good grounding in
these skills, but it is important that economists continue to hone those skills through
continued study and development. They might, for example, complete a postgraduate data analytics certification online.
2. Build a professional brand
Even before they have graduated, it is wise for economics majors to start building their own
brand. For example, if you would like to work in a specific industry, choose relevant topics for
your papers that will help you to familiarize yourself with the key challenges and trends. This
can then be included on your resume, and some graduates manage to produce papers of
such value that they are published in academic journals. You should also start building a
presence on professional social media websites so you can connect with relevant
professionals and increase your exposure.
3. Stay up to date with economic news
The economy is a fast-moving animal, and you will need to be able to keep up with it to
ensure you are at the top of your game. It is a good idea to sign up to relevant news
websites that will notify you when new papers have been published, and you should be
keeping on top of newspapers, blogs, podcasts, and social media influencers in the sector.
4. Start networking
Professional social media is not just about building a brand but also about networking with
other industry professionals. You can start doing this while you are still studying and may
also want to join relevant groups or professional organizations that welcome students. Every
professional you meet has the potential to help you move forward in your career, whether
now or in the future, so be professional and courteous at all times.
5. Be proactive in your job search
When it is time to look for your first job, it is not enough to contact a recruiter or put out a
post on social media and sit back and wait for the offers to roll in. You will have far more
success if you can target your job search towards specific opportunities, researching the
company, and making it clear how your skills and experience could be of value to them.
