You’re interested in a career as an economist but aren’t sure what economics jobs you could do. Let’s look at all the possible paths and opportunities in this field.

At first glance, the Bachelor of Economics degree is misunderstood. It’s a degree that focuses purely on numbers, money and analysing of the country’s interest rates and inflation rates.

But, economics is about understanding the relationships between different things to make informed decisions or reverse bad ones.

Understanding human behaviours and their impact on the world, including resource allocation, wealth distribution and access to justice, is a common goal.

Economists can discover by applying a pattern or social understanding to populations of humans.

• Markets React the same way they do
• What might happen and why (e.g. Basic supply and demand
• How these could impact a country’s future
• How can we make a difference to create a better future?

Economics is the science of people

Economics is often described by many as a science of people and their behaviours. You can use the study of Economics in any place you choose, whether you are involved in the financial sector or leading policy reform at the national level.

After graduation, you might be interested in a range of jobs, including but not limited: To building a Social Enterprise

Mihara Ramsing (Bachelor in Laws (Honours) / Master of Economics) was a UQ Distinguished Young Alumni Award Winner and one of Australia’s Top 100 Women Influence (2019). In 2015, she graduated and set up her social enterprise in Australia. Half of the profits go towards suicide prevention.

Founded in 2019, Mikschai – “tea for mental well-being” – is a simple idea that was put to good use and backed up by an understanding of economic theories, supply chains, and human behaviour.

Mikhail says that she loved her UQ economics degree, especially the courses that challenged students to consider the political and social impacts of various economic models.

It gave me the confidence to make the changes I wanted in the world.

Mihara did not stop there. She was appointed project manager for community innovation and incubation at UnitingCare Queensland in 2020. Ethnic LGBT+, her second company, was also in operation. It has assisted over 5000 LGBTQIA+ people navigate the national resources.

My understanding of economics allows me to imagine big every day,” she said.

“I can understand the interplay between micro, meso, and macro factors that make our work and design fascinating.” I feel that I am solving problems that are important to people and the planet .”

These are difficult challenges that require all of our minds to come together to create a better tomorrow.

Are you an environmental economist

Graduates have greater opportunities than ever to work in the environment. Students who have completed a Bachelor’s in Economics are also eager to contribute to a greener future.

There are many government departments that deal with allocating natural resources. Private businesses are increasingly looking to develop their corporate social responsibility (CSR), in addition to their financial sustainability. Both public and private sectors employ environmental economists to calculate costs, such as in the Great Barrier Reef study. This information is used to inform business logistics, policies and future sustainability.

These roles often conduct a cost-benefit analysis on many areas, including renewable energy use in homes and funding new projects such as turbines or hydroelectric power plants. The human cost of pollution is also an issue that environmental economists consider and suggest ways to reduce.

Can economic theory lead to a greener future

Academics is another option for those interested in a greener future after graduating from economics.

Economics theory academics can study any topic they choose. They are responsible for teaching, research, and providing service in this area.

Academics can become experts by spending large amounts of time researching a topic. They are often members of policy reform taskforces boards and foundations.

Our academics at the UQ School of Economics conduct research in a variety of areas, including

• tax decentralisation
• life expectancy
• limited cognitive memories of how this might affect economic outcomes
• animal conservation
• And, of course the environment and sustainability.

UQ’s Professor John Quiggin opted to become an academic in economic theory and influence public policy.

John says, “I wanted to communicate my thoughts to the general public in easy terms.”

“While it takes a lot patience as progress can be slow, it fascinates my.”

John is particularly vocal in advocating for progressive policy changes, both in the green energy sector and the general wellbeing and health of the population.

He says, “I have been doing a lot of work advocating decarbonisation in the energy sector and for a reorientation the economy towards increasing leisure – for instance, through an 4-day working week .”

John believes that if done correctly, ideas like a 4-day work week can be offset with an increase in output per hr – which will lead to a happier, healthier population. This would result in lower health care costs and increased tourism.

John can use an economic lens to examine societal issues and convince people to talk about topics that are more practical and beneficial for the economy.