In broad terms, economics is the study of mankind's efforts to obtain the goods and services required for survival, for reasonable comfort and, when possible, for affluence. It thus concerns itself with all the problems associated with society's struggle to survive and prosper in a world possessing limited productive resources coupled with seemingly unlimited human desires. Management Science shares with the discipline of economics some of the same conceptual concerns, but its focus is on the business firm and its well-being. Economics is a social science focusing on the economic well-being of society.
The completion of a major in economics & finance will not create a professional economist, but it will provide the general background necessary for graduate study in the field and for a wide variety of jobs which necessitate analysis.
Many students who study economics & finance continue their education with enrollment in law school or graduate programs in economics or business administration. It is also appropriate preparation for programs in urban affairs, public administration or international relations. Economics & Finance majors seeking employment immediately after college generally choose jobs in management, insurance, real estate, financial analysis, computing systems, consulting, banking, sales and public administration. Course work in quantitative areas enhances job opportunities for economic majors.
(Check the Dictionary of Occupational Titles under section 050 & 186 for additional related careers.)
Participate in Internships, Field Experience Placements and Day on the Job
Gain good mathematical skills.
Develop good interpersonal and communication skills.
Get sales experience.
Take as much accounting as possible.
Plan on an MBA for best positions.
Salaries range greatly from one occupation, position, and work setting to another. According to the Summer 2008 NACE national salary survey for Bachelor's Degree Candidates in Management Science with a track in Economic & Finance, the average salary was $48,158.
American Association of Finance & Accounting - http://www.aafa.com/
American Economics Association - http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AEA/
American Finance Association - http://http://www.afajof.org/
BankJobs.com - http://www.bankjobs.com/
Credit Union Executives Society - http://www.cues.org/
eFinancialJobs.com - http://www.efinancialjobs.com/
FinCareer.com - http://www.FinCareer.com/
National Association for Business Economists - http://www.nabe.com/
National Council on Economic Education - http://www.nationalcouncil.org/