Choosing a university course is a complex task, especially when the options become confusing in the student's mind.
Deciding whether a career in Business Administration or Economics is a good fit, for example, becomes even more complicated when you realize that professionals in these fields can not only work in partnership, but even hold similar positions.
However, even though they share several similarities, these courses also have characteristics that differentiate them from one another. For this reason, it is essential to learn more about each of them before deciding which path to follow in your undergraduate studies.
With that in mind, we've prepared this article with key information about these degrees to help you discover which option—Economics or Business Administration—best meets your expectations for college and your career.
What is the Economics course like?
Lasting 8 semesters, the Bachelor's degree in Economics This program prepares students to conduct market analyses with the goal of increasing a company's asset value, among other activities.
This course is suitable for those who have an affinity for numbers but are also interested in general knowledge — including politics, since various factors influence the national and global economic landscape.
The curriculum for this course is primarily based on the subjects of Finance, Econometrics, and Statistics. Below is a list of some other subjects studied throughout this degree:
- Social Accounting and Balance of Payments;
- Public Sector Economics;
- International Economics;
- Monetary Economics;
- Economic Statistics;
- Social and Economic Formation of Brazil;
- Legal Institutions for Economists;
- Applied Mathematics for Economics;
- Fixed Income Markets;
- Research Techniques in Economics.
What are the areas of activity within Economics?
Economists have several career paths to choose from. Below are some examples.
Financial market
Node financial market, This professional focuses on monitoring the economic landscape, conducting analyses, tracking cash flow and investments, working with real estate and securities, among other functions. Additionally, they develop business plans and conduct project feasibility studies.
Auditing and Inspection
In this field, the economist works alongside accountants to analyze a company's finances, evaluating project execution in order to suggest actions to maximize the use of capital. To do so, this professional assesses cash flow and identifies any discrepancies.
Foreign trade
Through the international perspective provided by an Economics degree, professionals can analyze the economic situation of other countries and draw comparisons with Brazil's.
With this, he points out the most advantageous import and export opportunities, as well as other investment possibilities.
Consulting and Advisory Services
There is also room in the job market for economists who prefer to work independently, starting their own business.
In this case, the professional can provide consulting and advisory services not only to companies, but also to individuals who are interested in making investments and better managing their finances.
Infrastructure project development
The professional's work in this area is focused on activities that seek to improve the economic and social infrastructure of a region.
In this sense, the economist analyzes, for example, housing, sanitation, transportation, and energy projects, which are usually part of economic development plans.
Drafting budgets and developing investment strategies are also among the activities carried out.
Market research
In this field, the focus is on the market and commerce sectors, where economics professionals analyze the supply and demand of products and services in a given region.
Based on information like this, it's possible to profile consumers and estimate the quantity of products that will be available for sale.
What is the job market situation for Economics?
Node labor market, Economists work in public and private institutions, as well as in academia. Banks, brokerage firms, and other financial companies are the most well-known employers, but large organizations that conduct international commercial transactions also deserve mention.
The public sector, in turn, needs these professionals to prepare budgets and analyze the impacts of political decisions on the economy.
Furthermore, economic issues directly influence the proposal of public policies aimed at social problems, which also creates job opportunities for economists.
There is also the possibility of an academic career, in which the economist obtains a master's and doctorate degree to work as a university professor and researcher in the field.
Therefore, there are many opportunities in the market for those who choose this course, especially if, after graduation, the professional invests in postgraduate studies.
Now that you've learned a little more about the training and career of an economist, continue reading to find out if you're better suited to Business Administration or Economics.
What is the Business Administration course like?
Also lasting 8 semesters, the Bachelor's degree in Business Administration It allows the student to develop a systemic view of all sectors of a company.
Therefore, this course is highly recommended for those who have the ability to work in a team or are interested in entrepreneurship and aspire to start their own business. Here are some of the topics covered in this degree:
- Business Financial Management;
- Business Risk Analysis and Management;
- Business Accounting;
- Constitutional and Administrative Law;
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation;
- Commercial and Sales Management;
- Human Resource Management in Organizations;
- Strategic Business Management;
- Strategic Planning in Organizations;
- Social Responsibility and Business Ethics.
What are the areas of activity in Administration?
Because they have a systemic view of the company, professionals in this field can work in a variety of sectors. Here, we highlight some of the main ones. areas of Administration.
Audit
Like the Economics course, the Business Administration course also allows professionals to conduct audits in companies.
Similar to the other area, it analyzes how internal procedures are executed, with the goal of identifying flaws and suggesting ways to improve these aspects in order to achieve the organization's goals.
Finances
In a company's finance department, the manager defines how its financial resources are used.
To do this, he considers the entire economic situation of the corporation, which contributes to decision-making such as bank financing, among others. In this way, the professional preserves the financial health of the company.
Human Resources
In this field, professionals work with human resource management. Recruitment and selection processes, hiring, employee training, career development, and payroll processing are some of the routine activities.
Furthermore, those who work in this sector are also concerned with the productivity and well-being of their employees.
Marketing
In the marketing sector, the objective is to establish a positive image of the company in the market, in order to attract its target audience and turn them into consumers of the brand.
Therefore, the administrator It can conduct market research to profile this audience, develop interaction strategies, and implement actions to improve the products and services offered, among other activities.
Logistics
The role of Logistics focuses on all procedures involved in the production, storage, and transportation of both raw materials and the finished product to be sold.
In this field, the administrator is responsible for managing this entire production flow, seeking to optimize processes, reduce waste, guarantee quality, and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Strategic planning
This is an area specifically focused on the company's growth. In general, the administrator's role is to define goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
To do so, the professional analyzes the market situation, monitors the results, adjusts the planned actions to the organization's reality, and identifies the need to revise the goals.
This makes it possible to avoid losses and ensure better productive performance.
What is the job market situation for Business Administration professionals?
Since graduates in this field can work in various departments of companies across diverse sectors, they are highly qualified to serve. Business Administration course There are many opportunities in the market.
In addition to the fields of work already mentioned, the sectors of Foreign Trade, Controllership, and Information Management also employ many professionals in this area.
There is also the possibility of working independently, managing your own company or providing consulting services to entrepreneurs who need specialized guidance to make their business successful.
In a scenario where entrepreneurship is increasingly on the rise, this type of service is extremely necessary.
As we mentioned in the section about the Economics course, pursuing a career in academia is another possible path for those who study Business Administration.
With postgraduate degrees in this area, professionals can teach in various related courses, as well as conduct academic research.
Economics or Business Administration: which to choose?
As we have seen, although they share some similarities, these courses have different focuses.
In general, we can say that while economists study how the market is affected by organizations, managers focus on how this scenario influences companies.
Therefore, it is up to you to decide which of these degrees is most aligned with your profile.
Whether you choose Business Administration or Economics, keep in mind that both These professions are relevant in today's market. And, given their importance, the trend is that they will continue this way. Therefore, make your choice consciously, knowing that any option represents the beginning of a promising career.
So, do you already have an idea of which degree you're going to choose? Will it be Economics or Business Administration? Contact ESEG College and learn more about these courses.
