What can I do professionally with my degree?
Upon successful completion of their studies, Economics graduates have many opportunities to shape their careers.
In principle, economists have access to professions in which graduates of other economics programs are also in demand.
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Economists have a good chance on the job market: According to a study by the Federal Statistical Office, the already low unemployment figures fell in 2017. In addition, the demand for economists has continued to increase. Read more: Focus on the labor market - academics.
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In any case, it is advisable to gain experience and specialize within the framework of internships.
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In job offers, economists are rarely explicitly sought, but it is worth taking a closer look at job offers for business economists, social scientists or consultants and comparing the required knowledge and characteristics with your own skills.
"Wirtschaftwoche" has written a report about the fact that economists are increasingly in demand, especially in digital and technical companies like Google or Amazon:
(January 2019)
Possible fields of work can be found at:
Companies, Banks & Insurances
Economists prepare macroeconomic forecasts in economics departments as a basis for management decisions and are also in demand in companies as analysts in the market research department due to their skills. In the data age, economists with their statistical and analytical know-how are also used in decisions for purchasing and procurement management, sales and distribution management or finance and accounting. In addition, they can use their knowledge to work in internal management consulting or in strategic management.
Management consultancies
In the versatile, methodically demanding Economics study program, you will learn the ability to solve complex problems efficiently. With this knowledge and skills, economists can take on tasks in management consultancies. As a consultant, additional business know-how and knowledge in project management are recommended, which you can gain through practical experience. In addition, economists work in the background at consulting firms: they analyze markets, research methods and take care of presentations and documentation.
International organizations
Economists provide policy advice in international organizations such as the OECD, the World Bank or the European Commission as well as in economic research institutes.
Universities and research institutes
With a successfully completed master's degree, you can choose a career at the university or in research.
Here you can work in teaching as a lecturer, in research and in adult education.
Politics & Public Service
In federal and state ministries, economists prepare strategic plans, advise politicians and provide forecasts on the economic impact of political measures. Regulatory authorities such as the Federal Network Agency or the Federal Cartel Office also need knowledge of how markets work.
Non-Profit Organisations
Likewise, development policy, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and environmental and resource management need economists to prepare strategic plans, analyze data and calculate the economic impacts of policies.
