3 answers
Akanksha
Student
East Windsor, New Jersey
1
Question
Updated
712 views
What is the situation for hiring economists with Masters?
Professional level help.
Login to comment
3 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1209
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Akanksha,
A masters degree is the minimum qualification for most positions in economics, some are available at bachelor level, others require a PhD.
Projections of job growth for economists vary widely probably reflecting the volatile political and economic climate. The current occupational outlook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1% job growth (2024-2034), i.e. below average. About 900 new job opening per year are projected. This seems to be a recent downturn since earlier projections were much higher.
Nobody can tell you what the employment situation will be for YOU though. You can use LinkedIn or Indeed to search for job opportunities in your state or any state you would be willing to work in to get a feeling for demand and what qualifications and skills are desirable for employers. But at the end of the day, you need to apply to see what the job market looks like for YOU.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-does-an-economist-do
A masters degree is the minimum qualification for most positions in economics, some are available at bachelor level, others require a PhD.
Projections of job growth for economists vary widely probably reflecting the volatile political and economic climate. The current occupational outlook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1% job growth (2024-2034), i.e. below average. About 900 new job opening per year are projected. This seems to be a recent downturn since earlier projections were much higher.
Nobody can tell you what the employment situation will be for YOU though. You can use LinkedIn or Indeed to search for job opportunities in your state or any state you would be willing to work in to get a feeling for demand and what qualifications and skills are desirable for employers. But at the end of the day, you need to apply to see what the job market looks like for YOU.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Priscilla Stadnick
5
Answers
Updated
Priscilla’s Answer
Hi Akanksha,
Finding a job depends a lot on your local job market and how much experience you have. It's important to show both your academic skills and any relevant experience, like internships. Networking is key, so try to meet other professionals in your field by going to events or joining online discussions. LinkedIn is also a great place to connect and ask for advice. Having a mentor can be really helpful too. Look for someone whose career path you admire so you can learn from their experiences. Keep learning by taking courses, reading, and staying updated on current events. This will help you become well-rounded.
Finding a job depends a lot on your local job market and how much experience you have. It's important to show both your academic skills and any relevant experience, like internships. Networking is key, so try to meet other professionals in your field by going to events or joining online discussions. LinkedIn is also a great place to connect and ask for advice. Having a mentor can be really helpful too. Look for someone whose career path you admire so you can learn from their experiences. Keep learning by taking courses, reading, and staying updated on current events. This will help you become well-rounded.
Teresa Cornella, MA, PMP®
Corporate strategy
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Teresa’s Answer
Hi, I earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics. As an undergraduate, I found that many roles I was interested in either required or strongly preferred advanced training, which limited my options at the time. After completing my master’s degree, I saw a broader range of opportunities open up, particularly roles that valued deeper analytical skills and applied experience.
I’ve also found that continuing to build skills beyond formal degrees matters. I later earned a graduate certificate in project management and became a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), which helped me qualify for roles that combine technical analysis with delivery and leadership.
My advice to students is to think strategically about how education and credentials align with the roles you want, not just to accumulate qualifications, but to build capabilities that signal readiness for those roles. Today, this increasingly includes understanding how to leverage AI and data-driven tools to improve efficiency and decision-making, which many employers now view as a differentiating skill.
I’ve also found that continuing to build skills beyond formal degrees matters. I later earned a graduate certificate in project management and became a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), which helped me qualify for roles that combine technical analysis with delivery and leadership.
My advice to students is to think strategically about how education and credentials align with the roles you want, not just to accumulate qualifications, but to build capabilities that signal readiness for those roles. Today, this increasingly includes understanding how to leverage AI and data-driven tools to improve efficiency and decision-making, which many employers now view as a differentiating skill.