Economics as a career – a glance at the opportunities and programmes to consider

Economics has always been of the most relevant, crucial and lucrative fields of study, more so in the current times. Graduates and students of this discipline are benefitted with a range of broad career opportunities, enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are applicable in almost every walk of life. From being a Wall Street maverick, entrepreneur to reforming public policies, global trades0,urban planning or simply be a sought after management consultant, excellence in economics can take one places.While the career prospects are plenty and economics graduates get employed soon after or towards the end of their course, it is imperative to begin from the right platform. Shri Ram college of Commerce, St. Stephens College, Hindu College (Delhi), Presidency College, St. Xaviers (Kolkata), HRCC, Xaviers (Mumbai) Symbiosis School of Economics, Pune, Loyola College (Chennai) are some of the best economics colleges in India to pursue your degree from.
The career has widened tremendously in the last two decades because of globalization and rapid economic development. The growth of any organization as well as a nation depends upon the
economic policies undertaken. Economists are well qualified specialists and strategists who analyze,
devise and predict economic trends. Based upon their theories and derivations, policies are implemented
as action plans.The versatility of this field makes it appealing to a wide variety students interested in a
diverse fields, where they are required to make strategic, financially smart decisions based on not just
facts but observation and excellent cognitive abilities. One can pursue the field through B Sc Economics
at the graduate level or M.Sc. Economics at the post-graduate level, from any of the best economics
colleges in India.Economics course syllabus includes papers like mathematical economics, statistical economics, monetary economics, international economics, developmental economics, econometrics, public finance, and economic policy making.  The specialisation in the field of economics increases its importance. The specialised areas are finance, agriculture, econometrics, quantitative economics, rural development, health, business development, international economics, industrial law and human resource, and so on.
Economists are said to be excellent decision makers. As someone who aspires to become you’re your first great decision would be to opt for the right specialisation, college and programme or simply explore what to look forward to in the course you’re about to study. Apart from career prospects and
best colleges to pursue your degree from, it would help your decision to take a look at the programme
and curriculum design.
B Sc Economics at a glance:
B.Sc. Economics Honours is a full-time, three-year graduation programme. An ideal course structure offers a wide array of ‘Out of box’ courses like Accounts, Environmental Economics, International
Relations, Political Economy of India, Research Methodology etc, not emphasized in traditional
economics graduation programmes. This would help students to get an edge over others in terms
of critical thinking, logical analysis and deep understanding of crucial economic issues.
What about MSc in Economics?
A Master’s degree, with a strong background in Economic Theory, Mathematics, Statistics and
Econometrics, incorporating contemporary economics, provides the basis for acquiring special focus
within the related fields and subfields of Economics. The importance of quantitative skills is not
unknown to Economists; courses in Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Sampling Theory, Survey
Design, and Computer Science are extremely helpful to hone the expertise required from a candidate
who has opted for this programme. The ideal MSc in Economics programme should be very
quantitative in nature and approach. Look for an all-inclusive curriculum to meticulously understand
and apply Economic Theories, from Economic Modelling to Forecasting in the real world.
What kind of specializations can you take up?
International Trade
The specialization in International Trade broadly explores the principles of economics related to the
causes and effects of trade beyond geographical and political boundaries. This, in turn, explains the
patterns and consequences of transactions and interactions between the inhabitants of different
countries, including trade, aid, investment and migration and other factors as well. Parts of the
specialization also involve investigating the consequences of trade activities on economies in
perspectives of resources, preferences and institutions. This specialization module highlights the
angles of politico-economic policy variables on world economies, as well, particularly in the
post-globalized era. (Kindly refer to the Programme Structure which will give you a holistic view about
the courses taught under the specialisation)
Development Studies
Development Studies include the broad areas of economics that explore the causes, needs and
processes of development in low-income countries. It also involves the study of the structural
change phenomena caused by the advancements that these economies witness in the course of
their growth process. The specialization focuses on theories and methods, both spatial and temporal,
which help in forming policies at the domestic and international levels to achieve optimal social ends.
The module also concentrates on certain aspects and issues of economic development across
post-war periods, spanning right up to the liberalized and globalized new world economies


Urban Development
With cities being the main contributors to national income, it is impossible to bypass the manner
in which cities and the process of urbanization is unfolding in India. It is a multidisciplinary course
that encompasses issues related to urban development and planning, demography, urban economics
and finance, infrastructure, informal sectors, poverty and sustainable livelihoods. Issues related to
urban sociology, energy and environment, capacity building of urban development bodies are also
discussed, as are experiences in urban development.


While in layman understanding, Economics is often seen as a number crunching science, the field has
evolved into covering a much wider spectrum of variables that affect the decisions, effects, cause
and outcomes of a financial unit at any given time. Herein, Quantitative Economics plays a pivotal part. Quantitative analysis refers to economic, business or financial analysis that aims to understand or predict behaviour or events through the use of mathematical measurements and calculations, statistical modeling and research. The scope for Quantitative Economics in India is excellent as post graduates from the discipline often get placed in top-of-the-line corporates towards the end of their course.
The future of Economics is teeming with lucrative opportunities and increasing importance in the world
as it can add value and make a difference to almost any industry, organisation or community today.
The best way to make a great career would be to begin from a platform of excellence – one which will
equip with not just the knowledge, but global exposure, industry interface and a vibrant atmosphere
of brilliant minds from all over the nation and beyond. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one
family after all, which seeks revolutionary economists to steer us all in the right direction. Given the
socio-economic conditions in the world, now more than ever before.



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