Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Careers That Can Be Yours With an Online Economics Degree

Do you have a passion for profit generation and are manic about making money? Do you have a bent toward refining research and raw data into final figures that impact business' bottom lines? If you enjoy following financial trends and predicting market directions and seek a platform upon which to practice these propensities, academic training in Economics may be what you need.

Take a momentary break from your furious figuring and abstract analyses. We are about to embark upon some very concrete study that can help cement your career firmly in place. Class is now in session to explore the vast array of occupational options open to those who earn an online economics degree.

Professional lives of economists

Economists evaluate market activity, consumer behavior, and economic patterns. In so doing, they must develop proper research methodologies such as mathematical models and accurate survey sampling. This insures research validity and compilation efficiency.

Ultimately, this information is used to prepare projections on economic issues such as inflation, interest rates, consumer behavior, employment, and taxes. Economists must know how to present the information they collect and analyze so that the average person can comprehend it.

Economic sub-specialties

When making your choice of an online economics degree program, be aware that Economics study features many subspecialties. A few of these are:

Microeconomics - the study of specific market segments and consumer consumption patterns. Data analyses pertaining to maximizing profits and projecting likely consumption levels of specific goods or services are commonly performed.

Industrial and organizational economics - studies particular industries' market structures such as competitor density and examines competitor decisions.

Macroeconomics - the study of entire economic systems to project future trends such as investment, employment, inflation, and overall economic growth.

Public finance economics - primarily concerned with governmental roles in economies and the impact of taxes, budget deficits, and public benefits policies.

Who employs economists?

Firms that specialize in consulting, research firms, and large corporations commonly employ economists. Consulting firm economists perform a large portion of the macroeconomic projections throughout the entire nation. Major news media and financial journals often report their findings.

The Federal Government is another large employer of economists. Government financial experts frequently advise agencies and lawmakers about the probable economic effects of proposed policies and legislation. Specific examples of this include analyzing likely impacts of tax cuts on the Federal budgetary deficit, or changes to the Social Security program.

Economic rewards of an Economics career

According to Uncle Sam's number crunchers at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for economists nationwide was $83,590.00 as of May 2008. As of March 2009, economists employed by the Federal government earned an average annual salary of $108,010.00.

Related occupations

By obtaining an online economics degree, you become qualified for a broad range of related careers that involve many of the same practical skills and theoretical knowledge of economists. Some of the most popular paths pursued by Economics majors are:

Accountants and auditors
Actuaries
Budget analysts
Cost estimators
Financial analysts
Financial managers
Insurance underwriters
Loan officers
Management analysts
Market and survey researchers
Mathematicians
Personal financial advisors
Purchasing agents, buyers, and managers
Statisticians

Typically, Economics degrees at the bachelor's level are sufficient for entry-level positions. Uncle Sam generally requires those seeking entry-level economist positions in his employ to have at least 21 academic credit hours of Economics and three credit hours in Accounting, Calculus, or Statistics. He might waive the latter requirement for those with sufficient prior work experience.

For academic positions in community colleges, a master's degree in Economics is the minimum educational achievement necessary. In most major universities and colleges, a Ph.D. in Economics or a related field is the sine qua non. For full professorship with tenure and promotion potential into administrative Academia, extensive publication in professional or academic journals is also requisite.

Despite common perceptions, an Economics career need not be dry, dull, or boring. Discovering hidden financial patterns is fascinating, interesting, and intriguing. The chance to take part in affecting major governmental, organizational, and institutional policies that positively impact millions is exciting and its own reward. If you possess the needed qualities and analytical aptitude, begin your evaluations and data compiling about quality online economics degree programs today. Class is now over.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6097847
http://www.mycollegesandcareers.com/

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Career Possibilities With an Economics Degree Online

If you've ever been interested in how the economy works, supply and demand, or the international trade market, then you will probably enjoy a career in economics. Without having to sacrifice your job or family time, you could earn your economics degree online in many areas.

Online education offers an innovative and flexible way of earning an economics degree online, while still giving you a quality education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics points out that people with higher degrees in economics and with related degrees such as business will probably have the best job prospects in the next 10 years.

An economist is someone who understands how markets work, can predict fluctuations, collect and analyze data and apply them to different sectors of society, such as health or education. It is generally acknowledged that a higher degree in economics, say a masters or PhD, is generally preferred in the private industry.

Those with a bachelor degree can expect entry-level jobs in government-owned sectors. Most times, people with a bachelor degree still attend school for a more advanced degree in order to climb into the management positions.

Different Specialty Careers Include:

Microeconomists

Microeconomists are the people who study the supply and demand side of the economy from a household level. The study and understanding of these factors will determine the prices of goods and services. Not only that, microeconomists also look at the delicate allocation of important resources amongst a population and how it will in turn affect the economy.

Industrial economists

An industrial economist concentrates on one industry, whether it be automobile, energy or something like lumber. They take into account many factors in their projection reports, such as competitors and how the best utilize any diminishing resource. They are knowledgeable about policies and laws that affect their particular industry as well.

Financial economists

The name itself is an indicator to what these men and women do. A financial economist is dedicated to studying and understanding money and its effect on banks, lenders and other financial institutions. Their research can help determine how much money is made and dispersed relative to many different factors, such as risk and time.

International economists

International economists closely monitor the value of their dollar in comparison to other currencies. They pay close attention to pending policies, old policies, tariff laws, and changing political climates which in turn affect the exchange rates. These men and women are well versed overall, but might have a particular specialty or industry, and work closely as a team to give a full financial report. International travel and/or employment is common for this career.

Labor and demographic economists

A labor economist mainly studies the constant fluctuation of the labor force. They evaluate many factors, such as demographics, education level, market demand and the corresponding high or lows in unemployment. A demographic economist is someone who studies the different race and ethnicity categories within a society. They survey and compile important data about education levels, employment, discrimination and other data.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5680338
http://www.business-school-online.com/Programs/default.aspx