Economists study how society distributes scarce resources such as land, labor, raw materials, and machinery to produce goods and services. They conduct research, collect and analyze data, monitor economic trends, and develop forecasts. They research issues such as energy costs, inflation, interest rates, imports, or employment levels.  Economics is a social science focusing on the economic well-being of society.

Most economists are concerned with practical applications of economic policy. They use their understanding of economic relationships to advise businesses and other organizations, including insurance companies, banks, securities firms, industry and trade associations, labor unions, and government agencies. Economists use mathematical models to help predict answers to questions such as the nature and length of business cycles, the effects of a specific rate of inflation on the economy, or the effects of tax legislation on unemployment levels.

Economists devise methods and procedures for obtaining the data they need. For example, sampling techniques may be used to conduct a survey, and various mathematical modeling techniques may be used to develop forecasts. Preparing reports, including tables and charts, on research results is an important part of an economist’s job. Presenting economic and statistical concepts in a clear and meaningful way is particularly important for economists whose research is directed toward making policies for an organization.

Career Sources and Professional Organizations

	American Agricultural Economics Association (AAEA)
	American Economic Association
	American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research
	American Finance Association (AFA)
	American Law and Economics Association (ALEA)
	American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association (AREUEA)
	American Rehabilitation Economics Association
	Association for Comparative Economic Studies (ACES)
	Association for Cultural Economics International (ACEI)
	Association for Evolutionary Economics (AFEE)
	Association for Social Economics (ASE)
	Association for the Study of Grants Economy (ASGE)
	Association for the Study of Religion, Economics, and Culture (ASREC)
	Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (AERE)
	Association of Indian Economic Studies (AIES)
	Brookings Institution
	Bureau of Economic Analysis
	Bureau of Labor Statistics
	Cato Institute
	Committee on the Status of Women in the Economics Profession
	Congressional Budget Office
	Council of American Survey Research Organizations
	Council of Economic Advisors - White House
	Dismal Scientist - Economic Analysis and Data for the World
	Economagic: Economic Time Series
	Economic and Financial Data at Boston College
	Economic Cycle Research Institute Worldwide
	Economic Policy Institute
	Economic Strategy Institute
	EcoWin
	Environmental Damage Valuation and Cost Benefit
	FairModel
	Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
	Federal Reserve
	FedWorld
	Foundation for Teaching Economics
	Global Insights - Economic & Financial Data, Forecasting, Consulting
	GlobalMetrix
	Heritage Foundation
	Hoover Institution
	Institute for International Economics
	Job Openings for Economists (JOE)
	Levy Economics Institute
	Macroeconomic Advisors LLC
	Marketing Research Association
	Milken Institute
	National Association for Business Economists
	National Bureau of Economic Research
	National Council on Economic Education
	National Economic Association
	National Economists Club
	National Tax Association
	North American Economics and Finance Association
	Office of Personnel Management - Federal government positions
	Progress and Freedom Foundation
	Public Choice Society
	RAND
	Regional Science Association International
	Society for Computational Economics
	Society of Government Economists
	The Conference Board
	United States Census Bureau
	Urban Institute - A Nonpartisan Economic & Social Policy Research Organization
	Western Economic Association International

SAMPLE JOB TITLES

Entry Level:		Experienced:
	Credit Analyst		Controller
	Economic Analyst		Economist
	Financial Analyst		Investment Banker
	Management Trainee		Managing Consultant
	Trade Specialist		Market Research Analyst
	Trust Officer		Marketing Manager
	Underwriter		Survey Researchers

ENHANCING EMPLOYABILITY

	Participate in internships
	Computer-related skills
	Graduate degree for advancement
	Acquire advanced sophisticated math and statistical knowledge
	Strong problem-solving, decision-making skills
	Ability to think in theoretical terms and apply to practical situations
	Ability to communicate ideas in writing, visually and verbally
	Strong ability to work under pressure
	Strong research skills