For a long time, professional growth depended almost exclusively on the experience gained in the day-to-day work process.
After Bachelor's degree in Economics, In this field, or in other areas, it was common for professionals to learn on the job, as they took on more responsibilities.
Today, the scenario is quite different. The market demands constant updating and values those who invest in continuous training — whether through specializations, MBAs and short courses.
What once took years to learn can now be achieved through focused and strategic training.
Given this, professionals from various fields have sought to improve their knowledge in order to stand out and expand their career opportunities. And it has been no different with economists.
If you are thinking about following this path, in this content we will present... What are the main areas in Economics? and the career paths for those who decide to invest in this type of training.
Keep reading to learn more!
What is a PhD in economics?
Many people ask what a PhD in Economics is — and the answer is simple: it's the highest level of academic training in the field.
The abbreviation PhD comes from English. Doctor of Philosophy and, in the case of Economics, This indicates that the professional holds a doctorate in Economics., with a focus on scientific research and knowledge production.
What are the most sought-after areas of Economics?
Those who graduate in economics have a variety of sectors available to them that allow them to deepen their technical knowledge and redirect their careers towards more strategic areas, such as corporate finance, public policy, or market intelligence.
In addition to traditional specializations in the field, many economists also opt for MBAs and postgraduate degrees in complementary fields, which broaden their business perspective and career opportunities.
Below are the most sought-after areas of economics for a career in economics:
1. Financial Economics
These areas of Economics study the best way to allocate financial resources among different investment alternatives, taking into account the time value of money.
The financial economics specialist studies the company's investment proposals and projects possible scenarios — or alternative realities — in the face of a volatile and uncertain market.
Based on data and quantitative methods, it guides strategic decisions that seek to minimize risks and maximize returns.
Therefore, it is a highly valued qualification in the financial market, in banks, insurance companies, and consulting firms.
2. Business Economics
Also called Business Economics, this area analyzes economic decisions within companies.
The professional considers internal factors (such as costs, production, and pricing) and external factors (such as competition, fiscal policy, and inflation).
With this knowledge, the economist contributes directly to the formulation of more efficient strategies and the maximization of business results.
3. International Economics
This field studies the economic relations between countries, including foreign trade, capital flows, international investments, and exchange rate policies.
With globalization, International Economics has become essential for companies operating in the global market or wishing to expand their reach.
Furthermore, it helps countries access foreign markets, attract investment, and promote the exchange of knowledge and technologies.
4. Behavioral Economics
This area studies how psychological, social, and emotional factors influence economic decisions.
Unlike traditional economics, which is based on the principle of rationality, behavioral economics recognizes that choices do not always follow expected logic—and can be affected by biases, context, and perceptions.
This sector is highly valued in areas such as marketing, investment, and public policy, where understanding consumer or voter behavior can make all the difference.
Read also: What do you learn in a Faculty of Economics?
5. Economics and Public Policy
Economics and public policy are directly connected, as government decisions influence indicators such as GDP, employment levels, inflation, and social development.
Specialization in public policy enables economists to assess the impact of these decisions and propose solutions based on economic evidence.
They can work in government agencies, international institutions, third-sector organizations, and consulting firms, always with the goal of contributing to strategic decisions and the sustainable development of the country.
6. MBA in Business Management
For economists who wish to broaden their strategic vision and assume leadership positions, the MBA in Business Management It's an excellent choice.
It develops skills in management, finance, marketing, people management, and decision-making, preparing professionals to handle the challenges of business administration in different sectors.
7. MBA in Data Analysis and Business Intelligence
The MBA in Data Analytics and Business Intelligence has gained prominence in the market for combining statistics, technology, and strategy to transform large volumes of data into smarter decisions.
Throughout the training, professionals learn to use predictive analytics, modeling, and market intelligence tools—skills that are increasingly valued in companies across various sectors.
Therefore, it could be a good choice for an economist with an analytical profile and an interest in technology and data analysis.
Trends for the economic sector
The economic sector is becoming increasingly connected to other areas, such as technology, sustainability, and consumer behavior.
These changes have directly influenced the content and focus of careers in economics, which now go far beyond traditional economic theory.
Among the main trends, fintechs stand out — startups and digital financial services that are revolutionizing the Brazilian market with faster and more accessible solutions.
Another highlight is the increasing use of artificial intelligence and data analysis to interpret economic scenarios and make more assertive decisions.
These changes indicate that professionals in the economics field need to constantly update their knowledge and adopt a multidisciplinary perspective to stand out.
What is the salary of an economist?
- Private sector: An economist can work as an investment analyst, consultant, financial manager, or market strategist, with salaries ranging from R$6,000 to R$15,000, and potentially exceeding that amount in leadership positions.
- Public sector: In civil service or management positions, salaries can exceed R$ 10 thousand, especially in planning and regulatory bodies.
- Economics professor: Those pursuing academic careers or working in research institutions also find good opportunities. A university professor with a master's degree can earn between R$ 5,000 and R$ 8,000, while PhD holders can reach salaries above R$ 10,000, especially in federal universities or positions requiring full-time dedication.
Read also: Studying Economics: Is it worth it?
Possible careers in Economics
Studying Economics significantly broadens the range of professional opportunities, allowing work in the public, private, and even academic sectors.
The professionals graduates in Economics They can also work in the third sector, in NGOs and foundations that develop social projects focused on sustainable economic development, financial education, and productive inclusion.
See where economists can work, the main career paths, and what they entail:
Economic Analyst: What do they do?
Responsible for studying indicators, developing projections, and interpreting macroeconomic and microeconomic data.
Their job is to guide strategic decisions for companies, governments, and financial institutions. It's one of the most technical and analytical roles in the field.
Public Sector Economist
Works in municipal, state, or federal agencies in the development of public policies, budget planning, and economic impact analysis.
You can work in government departments, ministries, audit courts, and regulatory agencies.
Financial Consultant: What do they do?
Provides advisory services to companies and individuals on topics such as financial planning, risk management, investment evaluation, and business restructuring.
It's a career with high demand and the possibility of working independently.
Researcher and Academic
It follows a more theoretical and investigative approach, developing studies and scientific publications in universities, research centers, and think tanks.
It usually requires a master's degree or a doctorate.
Investment Specialist: What do they do?
They work in banks, brokerage firms, fintech companies, or asset management firms, analyzing the financial market, assessing risks and opportunities, and recommending investments.
You can work with fixed income, variable income, foreign exchange, derivatives, or investment funds.
Conclusion
Upon graduating with a degree in economics, professionals expand their careers into strategic areas and can assume leadership positions, become entrepreneurs, or excel in sectors such as... Economics and finance, money market and public policy.
After exploring all the possibilities, it becomes clear that the best career in Economics will depend on each professional's goals.
Those seeking to deepen their technical foundation can opt for traditional specializations; while those wishing to transition to management or innovation roles can find an excellent opportunity in MBAs.
While some programs are more technical and focused on economic analysis, others combine finance and economics with management and innovation.
Regardless of the choice, the most important thing is to align your training with your career stage and market trends.
Do you want a career in economics?
Do Bachelor's degree in Economics At ESEG College, stay up-to-date with the latest market trends.
In addition to graduation, we have a MBA in Business Management which combines economic fundamentals with business management, aimed at professionals seeking leadership positions and market insight.
Come to ESEG and become a professional of the future!
