Areas of Economics: What are the main positions you can work in?
If you're thinking about investing in an economics degree, you've probably already wondered: what positions can an economist hold in the job market?
The economic area is broad, dynamic, and offers diverse opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
Furthermore, the profile of Economists are increasingly valued by companies seeking professionals with analytical skills, critical thinking, and the ability to interpret indicators for strategic decision-making.
In this article, we will explore the main areas of the economy and the most relevant positions that a professional with a degree in Economics It can be applied, even including professions that emerged with market transformations.
If you want to better understand the highest-paying areas of economics and what opportunities an economics degree can open up for you, keep reading!
What does an economist do?
Before learning about the job titles, it's important to understand what an economist does.
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
It analyzes how resources are used, how the market works, and what the impacts of economic decisions are for businesses, governments, and society in general.
Therefore, skills such as quantitative analysis, data interpretation, critical thinking, and knowledge of public policy are essential.
A The curriculum in economics typically includes subjects such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, finance, statistics, economic theory, international economics, in addition to specific subjects that address the use of tools for decision-making.
Top job opportunities for those with a degree in economics
Below, we present the most prominent positions for economists in the job market, including classic roles and more current ones that have been gaining ground.
Check out some job opportunities for economists below!
1. Economist
O Economist This professional studies, analyzes, and interprets economic phenomena, producing diagnoses and projections about the economy. They work in the formulation of public policies and private strategies.
Where you can work: Government agencies, banks, consulting firms, research institutes, private companies, and international organizations.
2. Financial Analyst
O Financial Analyst It monitors the company's financial health, prepares reports, evaluates investments, and assists in defining strategies to improve results.
Where you can work: Companies of all sizes, banks, brokerage firms, fintechs, and financial consultancies.
3. Investment Analyst
O Investment Analyst It evaluates financial assets such as stocks, government bonds, funds, and derivatives, as well as calculating risks and returns to guide decisions.
Where you can work: Investment banks, brokerage firms, asset managers, fintech companies, and investment consultancies.
Read also: Economics or Accounting: understand the difference
4. Tax Auditor
O Tax Auditor It oversees compliance with tax obligations and combats tax evasion, ensuring the correct collection of taxes.
Where you can work: Federal Revenue Service, state and municipal finance departments, courts of accounts and regulatory bodies.
5. Actuary
O Actuary Calculates financial risks and develops mathematical models applied to insurance, retirement plans, and pension funds.
Where you can work: Insurance companies, pension funds, private pension companies, and actuarial consultancies.
6. Financial Manager
O Financial Manager It coordinates the company's resources, manages cash flow, investments, and capital raising strategies.
Where you can work: Industries, service companies, startups, banks, and multinational corporations.
7. Risk Manager
The Risk Manager identifies, assesses, and develops strategies to reduce financial, operational, and market risks in companies.
Where you can work: banks, insurance companies, multinational corporations, investment funds, and specialized consulting firms.
8. Credit Analyst
The Credit Analyst assesses the financial profile of clients and companies for credit approval, analyzing their ability to pay and minimizing risks.
Where you can work: banks, financial institutions, credit unions, and fintech companies.
9. Foreign Trade Specialist
The Foreign Trade Specialist manages international negotiations, imports and exports, taking into account tariffs, taxes and global agreements.
Where you can work: trading companies, import/export companies, industries with international operations, and government agencies related to foreign trade.
10. Financial Consultant
A Financial Consultant assists individuals or legal entities in organizing their finances, investments, and tax planning.
Where you can work: consulting firms, financial planning companies, brokerage firms, and as a freelancer.
11. Professor of Economics
The Economics Professor plays a role in training future professionals and may develop academic research and outreach projects.
Where you can work: universities, colleges, technical courses, business schools and research centers.
12. Economic Expert
The Economic Expert analyzes and issues reports in judicial or extrajudicial proceedings, offering technical opinions on financial and asset-related matters.
Where you can work: courts, law firms, expert witness companies, and as an independent expert witness.
13. Public Policy Analyst
The Public Policy Analyst plans, evaluates, and monitors projects aimed at economic and social development.
Where you can work: ministries, secretariats, international organizations, NGOs, and research institutes.
14. ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Analyst
The ESG Analyst evaluates companies' environmental, social, and governance practices, helping to align strategies with sustainable standards.
Where you can work: banks, sustainability consultancies, investment funds, multinational companies, and green startups.
15. Specialist in Big Data and Economic Data Analysis
O Specialist in Big Data and Economic Data Analysis It uses advanced statistical, programming, and artificial intelligence tools to interpret large volumes of data and identify economic and market trends.
Where you can work: Banks, fintechs, data consultancies, government agencies, technology companies, and multinationals that use predictive analytics for strategic decisions.
16. Behavioral Economist
O Behavioral Economist It studies how psychological, social, and emotional factors influence financial and consumption decisions, applying this knowledge in different contexts.
Where you can work: Marketing consultancies, banks, insurance companies, public agencies, technology companies, and research institutes.
17. Environmental Economist
O Environmental Economist It assesses the economic impacts of actions related to the environment and develops strategies that reconcile economic growth and sustainability.
Where you can work: Environmental NGOs, government agencies, energy companies, industries, sustainability consultancies, and international organizations.
18. Specialist in Corporate Finance and Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
O Specialist in Corporate Finance and Mergers and Acquisitions It assists companies in strategic operations, such as buying, selling or merging companies, as well as financial restructurings.
Where you can work: Investment banks, financial consultancies, corporate law firms, multinational corporations, and private equity funds.
19. Development Economist
O Development Economist It studies and implements policies and projects aimed at reducing inequality and promoting sustainable economic growth in regions or countries.
Where you can work: World Bank, UN, IMF, national and state governments, international NGOs, research institutes and universities.
Which sectors of the economy offer the highest pay?
Generally, highest-paying areas of the economy, Areas related to the financial market, risk analysis, financial consulting, and actuarial science offer the highest salaries for economists.
This is due to the complexity of the functions and the responsibility involved in managing resources.
Positions in investment banks, pension funds, insurance companies, and specialized consulting firms tend to have higher remuneration, especially for professionals with postgraduate degrees or specializations.
Where can an economist work?
The market is quite diverse. An economist can work in:
- Public and private banks
- International organizations (UN, IMF, World Bank)
- Government agencies (Ministry of Economy, Finance Secretariats)
- Private companies (industries, commerce, services)
- Consulting and auditing services
- Academic and research institutions
- Third sector organizations (NGOs and foundations)
Importance of an economics degree for these areas.
A good Is studying economics worthwhile?, Because it offers a solid education, based on subjects that develop technical skills and critical thinking.
The economics curriculum typically includes subjects that prepare students to face real-world market challenges, such as... Financial economics, econometrics, statistics, public policy, among others.
In addition, the course may include supplementary subjects for the development of soft skills. and knowledge in interdisciplinary areas, such as management and economic law.
Already ESEG College's Economics course also includes technology. providing information for those who want to enter more strategic areas such as Economic Data Analysis and Big Data specialist.
Final considerations on the areas of economics.
Choosing the right economics program is crucial for anyone who wants to excel in this highly competitive market.
As seen, the opportunities and jobs for economists are broad and the areas of expertise are varied.
With up-to-date training aligned with market demands, you will be able to work in strategic positions and develop a solid career.
Do you want to stand out in the job market with a complete and up-to-date education?
A Faculty of Economics at ESEG It offers a modern curriculum that combines theory, practice, and technology, preparing you for the real – and future – challenges of the profession.
Learn more about our Economics course. Visit our website and enroll today!
