We surveyed 3,225 economists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical economist. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as an economist?
Low
High
Working as an economist typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that economists are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become an economist?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as an economist typically depends predominantly on qualities you’re born with, with a small aspect of skills you can learn.
Is it easy to get a job as an economist?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as an economist. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for economists.
Do economists work full-time or part-time?
83% of economists work in full-time roles while 17% work part-time.
Is being an economist stressful?
Low
High
Economists tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as an economist?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be an economist.
How competitive is the workplace for economists?
Low
High
Economists see mild competition in their workplace.
Does being an economist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for economists.
Are economists allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Economists rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do economists have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally economists will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being an economist physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as an economists is rarely physically demanding, making it a suitable option for those unable to perform physically strenuous tasks.
Are economists exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Economists tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being an economist require attention to detail?
Low
High
As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for economists.
Does being a good economist require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as an economist.