Economists and Economic Policy Researchers
Formal Description
“Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts conduct research, monitor data, analyze information and prepare reports and plans to resolve economic and business problems and develop models to analyze, explain and forecast economic behaviour and patterns. They advise on matters such as finance, fiscal and monetary policy, international trade, agricultural and natural resource commodities and labour and industrial markets. They are employed by government departments and agencies and throughout the private sector in associations, unions, research organizations, banks and investment firms..” (NOC 2021)
Sample Job Titles
This category includes a variety of job titles that may not necessarily be reflected by the category title. For a full index of job titles, see the category entry on the ESDC site. Example job titles include:
Business Economist
Economic Policy Analyst
Economist
Energy Economist
Financial Economist
Health Economist
Labour Market Infomation Analyst
Social Economist
Typical Employment and Education Requirements
The requirements listed for each occupational category will tend to vary across particular roles, job titles, and contexts.
The following typical requirements are listed on the ESDC’s 2021 entry for this occupational category:
- “A master’s degree in economics or in a related discipline such as business administration or statistics is usually required.”
- “A doctorate in economics may be required.”
Success with a Social Sciences Undergraduate Degree and Beyond
When reviewing typical requirements, please remember:
- Degree and diploma listings often end with a purposefully open-ended phrase (“or a related field”, “or a similar discipline”) that acknowledges the variety and applicability of social sciences and liberal arts degrees.
- Employers often focus less on the name or title of a candidate’s degree, and more on how they articulate their transferable skills and experiences.
- Many qualifications and certifications are available as post-graduate certificates aimed at recent university graduates; these can make an excellent further education option for a social sciences or liberal arts degree.
Related Sectors
Whereas Economic and Social Development Canada’s ‘occupational’ categories tend to focus more on the duties and functions that people play in specific roles, exploring careers by ‘sectors’ helps us to sort by employer type, industry, or general field of work. Here are just a few of the sectors that may be relevant to this category:
Academic Program Connections
As you select your program of study and the courses you will take, you can chart a path towards success in this sector from any one of our social sciences departments and programs. Here are just a few examples of academic disciplines that have connections with this sector:
Economics Learn More
Economics focuses on quantitative analysis, including the use of statistical tools to analyze economic data. These skills are essential for economists and policy researchers, who rely on data to support their findings and recommendations.
Political Science Learn More
Understanding how different political systems and institutions impact economic policy is vital for economists and policy researchers who need to evaluate how government actions, laws, and regulations affect the economy.
Sociology Learn More
A degree in Sociology explores how institutions like education, healthcare, and the legal system interact with economic systems. Understanding these relationships is key for developing economic policies that address broader social issues, such as access to education, healthcare, or affordable housing.
Work and Labour Studies Learn More
The courses in Work and Labour Studies helps a student understand how economic policies, like minimum wage laws, labour protections, and welfare programs, affect workers and the economy. This knowledge is necessary for researching and advising on labour-related economic issues.
