Economists study how society distributes resources, such as land, labor, raw materials, and machinery, to produce goods and services. By amassing and studying such data and statistics and using their understanding of economic relationships to uncover trends, they then provide specialist advice based on the application of economic theory and knowledge to assess feasibility, produce forecasts of economic trends, determine the implications of their findings and make recommendations of ways to improve economic efficiency.

These professionals are employed by government agencies, economic consultancies, major companies, banks, financial institutions, utilities boards, higher education establishments and investment organisations. Since economics is a very broad field, they often specialise in more focused areas of interest, such as industrial productivity, taxes, farm policies, or international trade. They may develop hypotheses to explain problems such as unemployment or inflation. They often advise governments or businesses on ways to cope with economic problems. Economists usually study many forms of economic data in their work. Because economic activity is measured numerically, economists must be skilled in using statistics and mathematical analyses as well as economic theory. They often use computerised data in their work.

As an Economist, you often work alone, writing reports, preparing statistical charts, and using computers, but you are also an integral part of a research team. The ability to work under pressure of deadlines and tight schedules, which may require overtime, is a must, and routines are frequently interrupted by special requests for data and the need to attend conferences. Presenting results that are easily understood in a diplomatic and persuasive manner is an important part of the work in ensuring that arguments and outcomes will be readily accepted.

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