Economists are concerned with the question of how the material needs of people can best be satisfied using available resources of labour, capital, technology, and those derived from nature.
An economist analyses and describes the relationship between the supply and demand for goods and services - what is to be produced, how it is to be produced and for whom. They use their expertise to describe, analyse and advise on a wide range of economic issues: tax or wage problems; economic policies; explaining the causes of unemployment and of inflation.
Economists serve as consultants to businesses, individuals, and government departments.
Economists in Business: Organisations provide valuable information concerning strategic vision and they comment on fluctuations in the economy. They interpret government economic policies and their effect on the economy and on sectors in which business operates. They also undertake investment analyses and advise portfolio managers. Economists attached to private manufacturing organisations, advise management on issues relating to the supply, production and marketing of products.
Economists in Public Service: Government bodies employ the majority of specialist economists to tackle such issues as development, inflation, pollution and the availability of food and housing resources, taxation, subsidy structures, budgets, macroeconomics, transport and energy policies, international trade, tariffs, surcharges and foreign loan negotiations. Government economists assess economic conditions in the country and abroad and recommend changes in government policies, if necessary.
Economists in Journalism: specialist magazines such as financial posts and newspapers, employ economists to inform their readers about financial issues.
Economists in Education: Teaching and research institutes need academic economists with specialised knowledge to teach economics, and they can also act as consultants to firms or government bodies.
Economists can work in a wide range of interesting areas such as inflation, participation in international trade, promotion of economic growth and development, taxation, monetary and fiscal problems and many other aspects of immense importance to individuals and society.
A thorough knowledge of economic theory and economic politics is necessary, as well as a vision within the framework of specific environmental factors.
Normal office hours, interesting problems, pleasant conditions and working with people of like interests make this profession rewarding on the whole. Depending on which field is entered, there is an enormous amount of data to assimilate and market research facts and figures to digest. In order to make accurate assessments of problem areas, travelling might be necessary to see what could be done to improve matters.
Boston City Campus and Business College does not offer a programme that leads directly to this occupation. Please take a look at the related occupations below to see whether any of these appeal to you. Alternately, please send an email to taryn@boston.co.za and a Student Advisor will call you back.
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