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Posted June 7, 2023

Why Study Economics? Understanding Global Markets

Economics is a dynamic and ever-evolving field of study that provides a deep understanding of the principles and systems that underpin our modern society. From the global financial markets to the daily transactions we make, economics plays a crucial role in shaping our lives.

Studying economics offers a wide range of benefits that can be applied to many aspects of life. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why studying economics is essential and the valuable skills that can be gained from doing so.

Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in economics or simply seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the world around you, studying economics can help you develop critical thinking skills, analytical abilities and a deeper understanding of the complex economic systems that govern our lives. Additionally, economics provides an excellent foundation for pursuing further education or careers in fields such as business, law, public policy and international relations.

What is economics?

Economics is a social science that studies how individuals, firms and societies allocate scarce resources among alternative uses, in order to satisfy their unlimited wants and needs. It examines how people make choices in various economic situations, and how those choices affect the production, consumption and distribution of goods and services.

This field of study is concerned with the behaviour of individuals, households, businesses and governments, as well as the interactions between them. This involves the analysis of economic systems, such as capitalism, socialism and mixed economies, as well as studying inflation, recession, growth and trade.

Economists use a range of theoretical models, statistical tools and empirical data to analyse economic problems and to inform public policy. They also study the history of economic thought and the evolution of economic systems over time. All in all, economics is a highly valued discipline with rewarding prospects. 

8 reasons to study economics

1. All-encompassing

Economics is more than just the study of numbers. It’s a broad-based subject that encompasses a wide range of disciplines. At its core, economics is broken down into microeconomics (the study of individual and business behaviours) and macroeconomics (the study of global and government behaviours).

By studying economics, you’ll develop knowledge in a broad range of topics that affect our daily lives, including but not limited to taxes, inflation, interest rates, the labour market, wages and other related subjects.

Its broad nature makes economics a great subject for students to study at all levels. Whether you want to develop an understanding of the core topics, or learn more about a specific area in economics, courses often offer students the flexibility to learn in ways that suit their goals. 

2. High earning potential

One of the major benefits of studying an economics degree is the high earning potential that this discipline can bring. Economics is a highly regarded field of study, offering graduates a wide range of career paths with strong salary prospects.

Moreover, economics is a global discipline, giving those that study it the opportunity to earn their salary in a range of different countries across the world. 

3. Strong career prospects

Economics is a highly respected and in-demand field, and as such, there are many strong career prospects available to economics graduates.

In the private sector, economists are often employed by financial institutions, investment firms and multinational corporations. They may work in areas such as risk management, forecasting, market analysis or product development. In the public sector, economists are generally employed by government organisations. 

In either case, economists often have a lot of flexibility when it comes to career prospects, and have a range of valuable skills that can be applied to various fields.

4. Gain transferable skills

Studying economics provides students with not only specific knowledge about the functioning of economies and markets, but also a variety of transferable skills that can be applied in a wide range of careers and settings. These skills are valuable for both personal and professional development and can help economics graduates succeed in a variety of roles.

By studying economics, you’ll develop:

  1. Analytical skills: economics involves a great deal of data analysis, and students develop skills in interpreting and understanding complex data. These skills are transferable to other fields where data analysis is important, such as finance, marketing or healthcare.

  2. Critical thinking skills: economics students are trained to think critically and question assumptions. This is an essential skill in many fields, particularly those that require problem-solving, decision-making or risk analysis.

  3. Communication skills: economics students learn to communicate complex ideas in clear and concise language, both in written and oral forms. These skills are important in a wide range of fields, including business, law, politics and academia.

  4. Quantitative skills: economics students develop a strong foundation in mathematical concepts and statistical analysis. These skills are transferable to other fields where quantitative analysis is important, such as engineering or data science.

  5. Teamwork skills: economics students often work in groups on projects or assignments, which develops their ability to collaborate and work effectively as part of a team. This skill is important in any workplace where teamwork is essential, such as in healthcare, education or technology.

  6. Time management skills: economics students often have to manage multiple projects and assignments at once, which requires strong time management skills. This skill is important in any field where deadlines are important, such as in journalism, advertising or public relations.

 

5. Postgraduate prospects

Postgraduate study in economics can open up a range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities. With a postgraduate qualification, you’ll have a competitive edge when finding your feet in your new or next career. Employers value postgraduate study, since this demonstrates not only your passion for the subject, but also your advanced set of skills.  

There are several benefits to having a postgraduate degree in economics. Some of the key benefits are:

  • Advanced analytical and quantitative skills: for example, statistical analysis, econometrics and modelling. These skills are highly valued in many sectors of the economy and can help individuals stand out in the job market.

  • Increased earning potential: those with a postgraduate degree in economics typically earn higher salaries than those with only an undergraduate degree. The higher earning potential is especially true for those who work in academia, government or the private sector.

  • Deepened knowledge and expertise: a postgraduate degree in economics allows individuals to deepen their knowledge and expertise in a particular area of economics, such as macroeconomics, microeconomics, development economics or behavioural economics.

  • Research and publication opportunities: postgraduates have the opportunity to conduct original research and publish papers in academic journals. This can lead to career advancement and recognition within the field.

 

6. Study interdisciplinary subjects

As a social science, economics is interlinked with a range of other subjects related to modern society. Economics is concerned with how global resource allocation affects business, society and international trade. 

As a result of its broad focus, students can intertwine their studies with other disciplines. Some common examples include:

  • Economics and Business Management

  • Economics and Finance

  • Economics and Mathematics

  • Economics and Psychology

  • Economics and Sociology

  • Economics and Political Science

  • Economics and Law

  • Economics and Philosophy

  • Economics and Geography

  • Economics and Public Health

  • Economics and Environmental Science

  • Economics and Marketing

 

Studying an interdisciplinary economics degree gives students the opportunity to develop skills in both fields, helping stand out to employers with a specialised set of skills. 

7. Impact society

One of the most rewarding benefits of studying economics is the opportunity you’ll get to make a real-world impact in your career. Economics deals with a range of issues that contribute to the greater good, from informing public policies and shaping the market, to improving welfare, equality and public finance.

For example, let’s say income inequality is an issue for a particular country. Economists would be responsible for identifying the underlying issues and propose solutions in order to address them.

8. Gain an international perspective

Studying economics can help students gain an international perspective in several ways. Firstly, economics is a global field and studying it exposes students to different economic systems, policies, and practices across the world. This helps students gain a deeper understanding of the complex interdependencies between national economies and how they interact with each other in a globalised world.

Secondly, studying economics equips students with the analytical tools and skills needed to understand and interpret economic data and trends from different countries. For example, students can learn how to analyse international trade patterns, exchange rate fluctuations and capital flows, and understand how they affect national economies and businesses.

Moreover, studying economics provides students with the opportunity to examine economic issues and challenges that are unique to different regions and countries. For example, students can study the economic impact of demographic changes, such as population ageing or migration, on different countries and regions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, studying economics provides individuals with a broad understanding of the way the world works and the mechanisms that keep global economies running. By studying economics, you’ll be equipped with the tools to analyse complex issues, such as inflation, unemployment and income inequality, and you will be able to make informed decisions on your personal and professional life. 

Furthermore, economics is a versatile field that opens up a wide range of career opportunities in areas such as finance, policy analysis, consulting and academia. 

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