As an ECON major, you already have skills and competencies that are valuable in the workplace. As you think about the types of jobs you want, know what employers are looking for so you can take classes and find internships that give you those skills. And make sure that these are placed front and center in your resume!

 You can also learn more on our Job Descriptions page or by exploring job listings.

Data Analysis & Programming

Many jobs require familiarity with either statistical software packages or a programming language.

Popular statistical software packages:

  • Stata
  • MATLAB
  • SPSS
  • SAS
  • ArcGIS

Popular programming languages:

  • Python
  • R
  • SQL

Common jobs that require programming experience:

  • Research Assistant
  • Data Analyst
  • Data Scientist

Common jobs that may use programming languages or statistical software packages:

  • Economic Analyst
  • Financial Analyst
  • Policy Analyst
  • Actuary
  • Consultant

Where to get programming experience at UMD:

Many individuals learn programming on their own. For example, Python is an open-source software with a wide range of instructional materials available for free on the internet. Many programming languages have free tutorials available on the internet. However, there are opportunities to learn programming skills at UMD, even outside the Computer Science department.

  • Stata: 
    • ECON354: Using Big Data to Solve Economic and Social Problems
    • ECON422: Econometrics
    • ECON424: Applied Econometrics
    • ECON417: Estimating Policy and Program Impact
  • Python:
    • ECON433: The Economics of Big Data
    • BSOS233: Data Science for the Social Sciences
  • R:
    • Howard University’s ECON181: Data Analysis and Financial Literacy in R
    • ECON432: Applied Machine Learning
    • DATA110: Applications of R for Data Science
  • ArcGIS:
    • GEOG373: Geographic Information Systems
    • GEOG376: Introduction to Computer Programming for GIS

Data Visualization

Data visualization is a skill that is used in a growing number of jobs and industries, taking data analysis one step further to communicate complex information using charts, graphs, or animations.

Top visualization tools:

  • Tableau
  • Qlik
  • FusionCharts
  • DataWrapper
  • Plotly (integrates with Python, R and Matlab)

Common jobs that may use data visualization tools:

  • Economic Analyst
  • Financial Analyst
  • Policy Analyst
  • Consultant
  • Research Assistant
  • Technology Analyst 
  • Economist

Where to get data visualization experience at UMD:

You may want to consider double-majoring in Information Science or Computer Science.

 

Database Management

Wherever there are data, there will be the need to store and manage the data. Some companies will use databases developed in-house, but there are several tools that are common in different industries.

Common database software:

  • Microsoft Access
  • Structured Query Language (SQL)
  • Apache Hive
  • Teradata Database
  • Salesforce

Common jobs that require database management:

  • Commercial Real Estate Analyst
  • Business Development Specialist

Common jobs that may use database management:

  • Research Assistant
  • Data Analyst
  • Economic Analyst
  • Financial Analyst
  • Policy Analyst
  • Consultant
  • Technology Analyst 
  • Derivatives Analyst

Where to get database management experience at UMD:

Excel

Excel is in a class by itself since it can be used for statistical analysis, financial analysis, budget preparation and tracking, data visualization, data entry, and simple list-making. Most employers who hire ECON majors would be more likely to hire someone with familiarity and/or expertise with Excel.

Common jobs that require Excel experience:

  • Business Analyst
  • Commercial Real Estate Analyst
  • Financial Analyst
  • Research Assistant
  • Tax Associate

Common jobs that may use Excel:

  • Data Analyst
  • Economic Analyst
  • Financial Analyst
  • Policy Analyst
  • Actuary
  • Consultant

Where to get Excel experience at UMD:

Many individuals learn Excel on their own and there are many online resources that can be used. The following LinkedIn Learning course can lead to an Excel Specialist certification.

Master Microsoft Excel