Economist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• a graduate training scheme

University

You'll need a degree in economics or a related subject, like:

• statistics
• mathematics
• business studies
• finance and accounting

Some employers may prefer you to have a postgraduate master's degree in economics.

Your university course should include both macro and microeconomics.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths or economics
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could start a Professional Economist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, or a Senior Professional Economist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship to get into this career.

Employers set their own entry requirements for an apprenticeship, which are likely to include maths at GCSE and A level. They may ask for a first degree in economics, or a similar subject, to start the Level 7 apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an economic research officer or analyst in the private sector and work your way up.

OtherRoutes

You could apply for a place on the Government Economic Service Fast Stream programme , starting out as an assistant economist.

You'll need a degree in economics or a combined degree, with at least 50% economics. A postgraduate award in economics may be acceptable.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• maths knowledge
• knowledge of economics and accounting
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to read English
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of English language
• persistence and determination
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• active listening skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• business management skills
• a good memory
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Economists advise government departments, businesses, banks and other organisations on economic matters.

As an economist, you could:

• research information and analyse statistics
• create models to forecast economic developments
• advise on the potential economic impact of policies and commercial decisions
• monitor past and present economic issues and trends
• write reports and present findings

Location : You could work in an office or at a university.

Salary:

Starter : £28,000
Experienced : £60,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• become a senior economic adviser in a government department or financial institution
• work for an economic policy unit
• write for economic journals
• teach in higher education
• specialise, for example in environmental economics

You could also become a self-employed freelance consultant.