Graduating, and not sure of the next steps
June 25, 2011 7:56 PM Subscribe
I am graduating with an Economics degree, and I am unsure of what to do next.
I am graduating with a BA degree in Economics from a southern state school in the coming months (We are on the quarter based system). I am at a point where I have no idea or plan on what to do next. I switched majors sort of late, and was unable to get a minor picked without drastically extending my graduation date past four years (I am mainly using student loans, and decided against staying and accumulating more debt. On a side note, one of my main goals is paying off my student loans). Now I am really at a point where I do not know what to do next. I like macroeconomics, and I have constantly made the Dean’s list, but not so much that I am willing to dedicate 2-4 years for a graduate degree and subsequently narrow my career field. Right now, I think it is the time for me to find a job, and I am really at a loss what to look for. Moreover, I am really not sure and what industries I should be looking in. I also have a weird ‘self-worth’ feeling where I will be immediately looked down upon for not picking a minor, no matter the job. I am not sure if this is from a self-conscious, skewed thought process or not.
In my personal time, I enjoy working with Photoshop and Illustrator, and I have also lightly dabbled in web design. I also have paid experience in PC sales, end-user support and computer repair. I enjoy learning about new technology, especially phones, tablets and services. I am really not sure what qualities employers are looking for in an Economics graduate, or even what sectors I should focus on, due to my interests. I am not against entry level positions or any type of training program (Especially in this environment). As a matter of fact, I am pretty much open to anything.
Are there any tips for a stable career choice? I am kind of hanging in limbo right now, and I wanted to make sure I didn't set out on the wrong foot and regret it a few years from now.
Thanks
I am graduating with a BA degree in Economics from a southern state school in the coming months (We are on the quarter based system). I am at a point where I have no idea or plan on what to do next. I switched majors sort of late, and was unable to get a minor picked without drastically extending my graduation date past four years (I am mainly using student loans, and decided against staying and accumulating more debt. On a side note, one of my main goals is paying off my student loans). Now I am really at a point where I do not know what to do next. I like macroeconomics, and I have constantly made the Dean’s list, but not so much that I am willing to dedicate 2-4 years for a graduate degree and subsequently narrow my career field. Right now, I think it is the time for me to find a job, and I am really at a loss what to look for. Moreover, I am really not sure and what industries I should be looking in. I also have a weird ‘self-worth’ feeling where I will be immediately looked down upon for not picking a minor, no matter the job. I am not sure if this is from a self-conscious, skewed thought process or not.
In my personal time, I enjoy working with Photoshop and Illustrator, and I have also lightly dabbled in web design. I also have paid experience in PC sales, end-user support and computer repair. I enjoy learning about new technology, especially phones, tablets and services. I am really not sure what qualities employers are looking for in an Economics graduate, or even what sectors I should focus on, due to my interests. I am not against entry level positions or any type of training program (Especially in this environment). As a matter of fact, I am pretty much open to anything.
Are there any tips for a stable career choice? I am kind of hanging in limbo right now, and I wanted to make sure I didn't set out on the wrong foot and regret it a few years from now.
Thanks
Economics is a good degree, it shows you are intelligent and have some math ability, while being more interested in the world than your average business major. The obvious choice is finance. If that doesn't interest you, you can get the types of jobs business majors often get, which are management and sales oriented. Or you could go the "analyst" route -- corporations always need to analyze stuff, and due to the innumerable variety of analyst-type positions, just go to indeed.com and browse the term. Also browse the term "associate". Also browse the job sites of major companies in various industries. And make sure to visit career fairs if you haven't already.
posted by blargerz at 8:35 PM on June 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by blargerz at 8:35 PM on June 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
Have you used your university's career services? A decent career services office should have records of what kind of companies or jobs people who graduated from your university with your major went. They can suggest where to apply, and help you put together a resume. They could even help you arrange informational interviews with alumni, to help you identify "what qualities employers are looking for in an Economics graduate."
posted by needled at 8:39 PM on June 25, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by needled at 8:39 PM on June 25, 2011 [2 favorites]
If you want to stay in the field, Tyler Cowan of the Marginal Revolution blog had a brief employment in the field comment that would apply if you wanted to continue in economics.
posted by ptm at 8:43 PM on June 25, 2011
posted by ptm at 8:43 PM on June 25, 2011
Not having a Masters in economics - even from a state school or a tier 2 school is a major difference. From my perspective as an engineer, I can respect the math and the rigor associated with the MA level understanding in economics. The BA level of understanding doesn't command that level of respect. Financially, the difference between a BA and a MA is about $20K annually, and dependent upon your track (top flight, 2nd tier, state school, or "other") for MA program - it can mean the difference between working for a company that provides a slice of profit sharing mislabeled as a "bonus" or Bonus in the vein of AIG. Seriously. I'll go a step further, the job market for BAs in economics is somewhat tough. The job market for MAs in economics/finance/etc is strong - at least in the Boston area. Ladder.com isn't advertising for BA degrees in economics.
If I didn't have a kid (and a second on the way), I would be getting my masters in economics from a 2nd tier school next year. Instead, I'll be settling for an evening MBA from a top-flight school - and yeah, it is settling.
posted by Nanukthedog at 9:23 PM on June 25, 2011 [2 favorites]
If I didn't have a kid (and a second on the way), I would be getting my masters in economics from a 2nd tier school next year. Instead, I'll be settling for an evening MBA from a top-flight school - and yeah, it is settling.
posted by Nanukthedog at 9:23 PM on June 25, 2011 [2 favorites]
It seems like most of my friends who were econ grads seemed to go into management consulting (think Accenture) and/or banks and the finance industry.
Another idea: perhaps you could get a job as like a research assistant in economics or social sciences somewhere -- e.g. a university economics research center or maybe even a private research based organization (although I must admit I'm not in economics so I'm not entirely sure how it works in that field). However, I did know an economics major who ended up working for a sociologist after graduating. I think that would be really fun, especially if you were thinking of research as a career maybe later down the track.
I must agree on the minor importance of minors. Most everything I've heard/read says they're not important. Also, if it makes you feel any better, where I am (Australia) minors don't even exist. Most of my US based friends don't have a minor either, so don't feel bad.
I found a really good site for getting ideas on college grad jobs is UC Berkeley's career office website "What Can I do with a Major In..." (obviously, click through to economics).
You could also try the College Confidential forums for ideas. I hesitate to post the link there because there's a lot of crap there, but if you can take some of the advice with a grain of salt, there are some really helpful people/tidbits of knowledge.
posted by strekker at 9:33 PM on June 25, 2011
Another idea: perhaps you could get a job as like a research assistant in economics or social sciences somewhere -- e.g. a university economics research center or maybe even a private research based organization (although I must admit I'm not in economics so I'm not entirely sure how it works in that field). However, I did know an economics major who ended up working for a sociologist after graduating. I think that would be really fun, especially if you were thinking of research as a career maybe later down the track.
I must agree on the minor importance of minors. Most everything I've heard/read says they're not important. Also, if it makes you feel any better, where I am (Australia) minors don't even exist. Most of my US based friends don't have a minor either, so don't feel bad.
I found a really good site for getting ideas on college grad jobs is UC Berkeley's career office website "What Can I do with a Major In..." (obviously, click through to economics).
You could also try the College Confidential forums for ideas. I hesitate to post the link there because there's a lot of crap there, but if you can take some of the advice with a grain of salt, there are some really helpful people/tidbits of knowledge.
posted by strekker at 9:33 PM on June 25, 2011
I have a couple of ideas. I previously spent a lot of time wondering, "What the h-e-double hockey sticks am I going to do with my degrees in creative writing and MBA (from a 2nd tier school)?"
You could look at career or management training programs at various companies. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has a decent, well paying program from what I've heard (though you really do start at the bottom washing cars and work your way up). www.erac.com/opportunities/mng-training-program.aspx has more info. Is it competitive? I don't know.
You could also look at more education that might enhance your economics education. I got an engineering degree. Strangely, my English and business background helped me land a pretty plum job in engineering. It made me more competitive versus other engineers. Do you want to be an economist? Or is there another field that could benefit from your understanding in economics?
Of course, there's always USAJobs.gov. You can search through there. As long as you have a wide geographic range of where you'd be willing to go, you may have luck. I actually was able to get a job through that web site previously (US Treasury). However, it'll be wise to apply to many positions and be patient with the sometimes slow-moving federal bureaucracy.
posted by rybreadmed at 9:49 PM on June 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
You could look at career or management training programs at various companies. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has a decent, well paying program from what I've heard (though you really do start at the bottom washing cars and work your way up). www.erac.com/opportunities/mng-training-program.aspx has more info. Is it competitive? I don't know.
You could also look at more education that might enhance your economics education. I got an engineering degree. Strangely, my English and business background helped me land a pretty plum job in engineering. It made me more competitive versus other engineers. Do you want to be an economist? Or is there another field that could benefit from your understanding in economics?
Of course, there's always USAJobs.gov. You can search through there. As long as you have a wide geographic range of where you'd be willing to go, you may have luck. I actually was able to get a job through that web site previously (US Treasury). However, it'll be wise to apply to many positions and be patient with the sometimes slow-moving federal bureaucracy.
posted by rybreadmed at 9:49 PM on June 25, 2011 [1 favorite]
As a complement to USAJobs.gov, you could apply to be a Foreign Service Economics Officer. Not for everyone, but a pretty interesting career. As Nanukthedog says, a Masters in economics is a degree that opens many doors, but a Bachelor's much less so; could you consider trying to find something that would allow you to work and study?
And yeah, no one cares about your minor.
posted by solotoro at 3:47 AM on June 26, 2011
And yeah, no one cares about your minor.
posted by solotoro at 3:47 AM on June 26, 2011
Honestly, it's a bit soon to worry about a "stable career choice." This is the time to try out some jobs and see what you learn about your interests and various career opportunities.
I also graduated with a B.A. in economics and no clear idea of what I wanted to do. I made a choice that—although it worked out okay in the end—wasn't a great decision: I went to graduate school (in teaching) right after college.
What I should have done after getting my B.A. is what I actually did after getting my master's degree: I followed my nose. I looked for jobs that sounded interesting and that I thought I was qualified to take. As someone who, like you, had some IT/computer experience, I ended up taking a job delivering computer training. From that, I found I really enjoyed the more technical side of things, so I got a couple industry certifications and took some IT jobs. Those led into management, and now I'm CEO of a small organization.
So hit up craigslist and Monster, and find yourself an entry-level job that you think you can do and might enjoy doing. Work there for a year or two, figure out what you liked and didn't like, and what else you'd like to learn, and then take the next step. A career path will likely start to become clear, and if you need a graduate degree to pursue it, you can go back and get that degree.
posted by maxim0512 at 5:53 AM on June 26, 2011 [2 favorites]
I also graduated with a B.A. in economics and no clear idea of what I wanted to do. I made a choice that—although it worked out okay in the end—wasn't a great decision: I went to graduate school (in teaching) right after college.
What I should have done after getting my B.A. is what I actually did after getting my master's degree: I followed my nose. I looked for jobs that sounded interesting and that I thought I was qualified to take. As someone who, like you, had some IT/computer experience, I ended up taking a job delivering computer training. From that, I found I really enjoyed the more technical side of things, so I got a couple industry certifications and took some IT jobs. Those led into management, and now I'm CEO of a small organization.
So hit up craigslist and Monster, and find yourself an entry-level job that you think you can do and might enjoy doing. Work there for a year or two, figure out what you liked and didn't like, and what else you'd like to learn, and then take the next step. A career path will likely start to become clear, and if you need a graduate degree to pursue it, you can go back and get that degree.
posted by maxim0512 at 5:53 AM on June 26, 2011 [2 favorites]
a Masters in economics is a degree that opens many doors, but a Bachelor's much less so
This, very much so. Personal data point: I recently started a job as the staff economist for a small government agency, thanks entirely to a master's in econ (my undergrad was elsewhere in the social sciences). The other day, a co-worker asked was opportunity cost is and before I said anything, the admin assistant chimed in with an explanation, adding "I was an econ major." She chose to go into admin work and is happy with it, which is a perfectly fine option. My college roommate, for another example, graduated as an econ major and is now a doctor. I started out completely elsewhere and ended up in economics.
Your major isn't a cage, it's a foundation. If you think you want to go into web design, try that first. If it doesn't work out, at least you'll know and will be able to move on.
posted by psoas at 8:06 AM on June 26, 2011 [3 favorites]
This, very much so. Personal data point: I recently started a job as the staff economist for a small government agency, thanks entirely to a master's in econ (my undergrad was elsewhere in the social sciences). The other day, a co-worker asked was opportunity cost is and before I said anything, the admin assistant chimed in with an explanation, adding "I was an econ major." She chose to go into admin work and is happy with it, which is a perfectly fine option. My college roommate, for another example, graduated as an econ major and is now a doctor. I started out completely elsewhere and ended up in economics.
Your major isn't a cage, it's a foundation. If you think you want to go into web design, try that first. If it doesn't work out, at least you'll know and will be able to move on.
posted by psoas at 8:06 AM on June 26, 2011 [3 favorites]
I have a BA in Economics too and while I use what I learned to make decisions every day, I've found that the credential has done fuck-all for my employability. Unless you have at least a Masters degree, you won't be hired for any economics-related work. I finally gave up on getting anywhere with just my undergraduate degree and enrolled in an MBA program.
A BA in Economics is like having a generic BA in any other social science or humanities discipline. Perhaps a tiny bit better because it signals some basic competence with quantitative thinking. But it certainly does not lead to an obvious profession like a degree in Accounting or Finance would.
posted by Jacqueline at 3:19 PM on June 27, 2011 [1 favorite]
A BA in Economics is like having a generic BA in any other social science or humanities discipline. Perhaps a tiny bit better because it signals some basic competence with quantitative thinking. But it certainly does not lead to an obvious profession like a degree in Accounting or Finance would.
posted by Jacqueline at 3:19 PM on June 27, 2011 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by alaijmw at 8:06 PM on June 25, 2011 [7 favorites]