What can I do with a degree in Business Economics?

By majoring in Business Economics, graduates develop a valuable set of skills that are transferable to a range of careers. These include:

• Logical and quantitative thinking
• Numerical confidence
• Interpretive and analytical skills
• Problem solving skills
• Lateral and strategic thinking
• Practical application of economic concepts and principles
• Communication skills (oral and written)
• Group work skills
• Presentation skills
• Computing techniques
• Understanding issues from a range of ethical, global and multicultural perspectives.

Opportunities to apply your learning outside the classroom are available in this major through work-integrated learning (eg, consulting projects, internships) and international study tours. These experiences deepen your skillset, your awareness of others, working knowledge, and employability.

Graduates in Business Economics are well prepared for employment in many areas of government and business, where it is recognised that an economist’s education provides valuable training for a professional business career as well as good preparation for an executive, entrepreneurial or administrative career.
Anyone who uses economic analysis as a tool to support business decision-making can be classed as a business economist. Business economists may work in:

• Financial markets
• Funds management
• Public sector
• Retail trade
• Commercial corporations
• Media
• Educational institutions.

Business Economics students at UC have opportunities to work with local and national employers such as ANZ, Hummingbird Coffee, World Vision, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, and ChristchurchNZ in class projects and internships.

Graduates with this degree are employed in a range of jobs. Professionals may engage in economic forecasting, portfolio management, corporate treasury, policy analysis, regulation, innovation, strategic planning and advisory roles.

Note: Some of the jobs listed may require postgraduate study. See the ‘Further study’ section.

Examples:

Economist

• Collects and analyses economic information
• Predicts economic trends
• Makes recommendations and advises organisations or governments

Business economist

• Uses economic analysis to solve business issues
• Uses quantitative skills to inform business decision-making

Economic analyst

• Collects, organises and interprets information and data eg, production costs and sales figures
• Identifies efficiencies and problem areas
• Makes recommendations on process improvements and how to increase profits

Retail category manager

• Manages product categories to satisfy customer needs and achieve sales
• Assesses the performance of products
• Devises a category strategy and sets targets

Market research analyst

• Researches specific markets and behaviours
• Conducts interviews and surveys
• Analyses the findings and makes recommendations to meet market needs

Secondary school teacher

• Plans and delivers instructional lessons
• Evaluates performance and provides feedback
• Sets and marks assignments and tests

Banker

• Manages customer enquiries
• Makes recommendations to customers
• Updates customer and account details

Merchandiser

• Ensures the right amount of products are in the right store or on a website at the right time
• Liaises with supply chain staff eg, buyers, analysts, stores, suppliers and distributors
• Forecasts trends, plans stock levels and monitors performance

Financial analyst

• Gathers financial information and data
• Identifies economic and business trends
• Protects an individual’s or organisation’s economic interests

Entrepreneur and CEO

• Develops an idea to form their own business
• Gets involved in a start-up
• Offers their services as a consultant

Get started with Entrepreneurship here

As they progress in their studies and into a career, students and graduates often join professional bodies or organisations relevant to their area of interest. These organisations often provide regular communications and offer the opportunity to network with others within the same community.

• New Zealand Association of Economists
• Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce
• National Association for Business Economics
• New Zealand Bankers Association
• New Zealand Institute of Economic Research
• Research Association New Zealand

Social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can provide avenues to keep up-to-date with industry knowledge, networking opportunities, events and job vacancies.